Debate: Video surveillance

Is video surveillance in public places fair?

Background and Context of Debate:

Do surveillance cameras evade privacy?

Yes

• Surveillance cameras can be viewed by any authorised person, at any time. Anyone can view surveillance tapes and use them to spy on people or track a person illegally. They can evade privacy easily and anyone will get filmed whether they like it or not. Usually people need to sign release papers to have footage shown of them, and if they don't it is illegal.

• Filming without consent is actually illegal. Filming people without consent is against the law and that is exactly what surveillance cameras do. They also take away people's right to confidentiality and privacy.

No

• Surveillance cameras are not closely monitored and are only usually viewed if a crime has taken place. It is certainly not the case that people monitor all security cameras closely 24/7. Most surveillance tapes are rarely seen. Usually surveillance cameras are only viewed if they have filmed a crime and are viewed only to catch criminals, not to evade people's privacy or stalk people.

• It is no different to police monitoring a dangerous area. Video surveillance is no different than a police officer watching over the street. Who doesn't want extra police officers watching over streets with high crime? Surveillance tapes do not evade any privacy; they are only there to protect the public.

Do surveillance cameras work to protect the public?

Yes

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No

• Surveillance cameras cannot physically protect the public, only film what is happening.

• Often surveillance camera images are not clear and police cannot identify the criminal.

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Yes

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No

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