Do you think singapore should step up CCTV surveillance in light of the economic downturn and the increase in the number of crimes?

Stepping up CCTV surveillance increases security and act as a deterrent tool against crimes. In light of the economic downturn an increase in crimes is unavoidable as normally employed people are now jobless. Day to day living becomes increasingly difficult and looking for job is like looking for a needle in a hay stack! Knowing surveillance cameras are around stop to-be burglars in their tracks and if they are stupid or desperate enough, they will be caught red handed!

Terrorists will take the opportunity in this stressful and depressing period to wreak havoc and chaos in our society. Installing the CCTV surveillance will help track suspicious acts and hopefully curb their missions before they are launched.

In light of the recent protest and demonstration by foreign workers, the authorities can track out-of-hand acts and beef up security to deter serious altercations from taking place.

What are the disadvantages of CCT surveillance ? 

There are risk of data protection violation and tapes have to be kept in secure places under lock and key and away from prying eyes, and from people who might want to destroy incriminating evidence.

People feel that their privacy have been violated and are uncomfortable being watched all the time, thus affecting their daily activities and attitudes. 

Wireless cctv are not fool-proof and with modern technology, can be hacked into by another receiver, and the user can remotely loop or switch the cctv off.

Cost will be increased as guard must be licensed if the area being monitored is used by the public, to make sure that no one come round and tampers with the cctv.

One must also be wary if camera is moveable that you are not looking into private residences nearby and thus en coached on people's life.

Last but not least, to build, maintain and repair a cctv network is very costly, so cctvs must be placed very strategically so that it could be utilized to its full potential.

done by: russell tan