The Use of CCTV Systems Around the World (Part II)

A couple of weeks ago, we discussed the use of surveillance systems around the world, thanks to a recent study conducted by Surveillance & Society. The United Kingdom is one of the biggest consumers of video baluns, CCTV cameras, and surveillance systems, with cameras totaling to around 4.2 million. In both Europe and the United States, surveillance systems are more prevalent in the private sector than for public security. However, shops, banks, restaurants, and schools are now beginning to appreciate the value of CCTV cameras.

Today, we focus on other countries like Australia, South Africa, China, and the Middle East and find out how they maximize video baluns, CCTV cameras, and surveillance systems.

In Australia, the number of cities increased from a mere 13 in 1996 to 33 in 2002. The public transport system also uses CCTV surveillance. For example, the New South Wales state railway employs 5500 cameras at over 300 stations while the state busses have cameras in all 1900 of them.

In South Africa, the death of a passenger prompted the South African Railway Commuter Corporation to install four CCTV cameras on each of the 4,500 train carriages to prevent another incident such as the aforementioned from happening again. Additionally, all commercial venues such as casinos, hotels, and banks use CCTV cameras. It is quite interesting to note that ATM banks do not have surveillance systems.

China is developing a wide-scale launch of a national surveillance infrastructure in the form of the Golden Shield Project. The project aims to “to build a nationwide digital surveillance network, linking national, regional and local security agencies with a panoptic web of surveillance.” Large malls, squares, theatres, and entertainment venue are just some of the highly-populated area that the project aims to closely monitor.

Finally, in the Middle East, the use of surveillance system is geared towards the protection against terrorists and protecting commercial establishments come a close second.

As you can see, surveillance systems are now widely used around the world, mostly for protection purposes. Invest in one now. Purchase active or passive video baluns, CCTV cameras, and surveillance systems to protect your business and residential homes against potential threats. SOURCE