Surveillance Cameras Talk Back

By: Nahshon Roberts

Surveillance cameras watching you are creepy enough. But when they start talking to you, you start having that twilight zone feeling. Now, they have surveillance cameras that convey the voices of law enforcement authorities over the ether. It is the latest development in surveillance technology and one that presents some interesting questions.

Wired For Sound

These new surveillance cameras are wired for sound. In effect, they give law enforcers the ability to broadcast to the areas being watched. These talking cameras are the latest advance in a field of technology that has grown by leaps and bounds. Surprisingly, a lot of people have embraced this development with an enthusiasm that alarms civil libertarians. And in fact, a lot of civil liberties groups have no problem protesting this new feature.

Such a group in Great Britain estimates that there are over 4 million surveillance countries in the country today. Anyone who lives in London or a large will be captured at least 300 times on any given day. Britain has even been called the surveillance capital of the world. It is in danger of relying too much and too heavily on this technology.

Camera Evolution

Proponents have called the new surveillance cameras a natural progression from previous advances. They say that the paranoia of an overly intrusive system is unfounded. In fact, they propose that that the talking cameras actually reassure citizens because they know that there is a human presence behind the lens. Most of these cameras actually transmit prerecorded messages informing passersby that they are being monitored. These messages further state that any untoward behavior will be reported to the authorities. Other messages remind people to mind their valuables. Some have proposed that children should voice these messages so as to make them less menacing.

These messages can also be broadcast live in real time. The surveillance camera operators can speak directly to people while watching the monitors. They can broadcast spontaneous lines asking people to stop unacceptable behavior or even pick up litter. But civil liberties groups remain unimpressed. They think this type technology is over-hyped and that the new voice broadcasts do not do anything to help in crime prevention. They think it is merely useless gimmickry.

Just Another Day

Most people seem to take the disembodied voices in stride. Few people even take the time to stop and look for the source of the transmission. In fact, a lot of them enjoy the fact that it makes people aware that they are doing something wrong. They reason that discipline will be instilled in citizens if they are reminded.

Whether they are effective or not, these surveillance cameras are certainly revolutionary. It remains to be seen whether they can stop a bunch of rowdy teenagers from vandalizing public property. These cameras may even be the victim of such malicious pranks. But authorities are going to take that chance just to have their voices heard. They hope that a reminder of their vigilance will be the best deterrent to any criminal acts.

Surveillance Cameras And These Dangerous Times

By: Nahshon Roberts

You have reasons to be afraid, really afraid. Terrorists and criminals are real. They're ready to pounce where you think you are safe. The proliferation of surveillance cameras in public places is proof of this.

Terrorists and Criminals

Terrorists and petty criminals are getting more and more ruthless every second. They won't let anybody pass. They can and they will harm anybody. Standing your guard is always a must. You can never be too careful.

There are times when going out is inevitable, you have to go out to work, school, or to run errands and staying safe and out of harm's way isn't an option anymore. You can't always rely on surveillance cameras and the police because they aren't always there to help. You should know what to do in case you have an encounter with the bad kind.

Criminals aren't choosy in selecting their victim; they will harm the ones who look vulnerable. Don't count on anybody else and don't count on coming across surveillance cameras on the streets. As they say, it's every man for himself, out on the streets that is. Some people will be scared to help.

There are various ways on how you can protect yourself aside from carrying pepper spray or hiring a big-muscled bodyguard. There are various means of self-defense and there are a lot of places you can learn them. Aside from learning how to kick-butt, you also have to know what to do or what precautions to take in case something disastrous happens.

When You're On Your Own

These tips will help you stay on the safe side and stay alive:

* Be discreet in making your bank transactions (ATM's, withdrawals etc.) especially on the 1st and 15th of the month.

* Avoid wearing excessive jewelry.

* Walk confidently. Never show that you are tense and afraid that something might happen (because in one way or another, someone will sense your fear).

* Be cautious of approaching strangers.

* Avoid carrying too much stuff; you have to have a hand free in case someone tries to assault you.

* Try waiting for public transport in places where there are a lot of people, police or surveillance cameras.

* Always walk on the lighted part of the streets; some sidewalks aren't equipped with streetlights.

* When you're driving, drive with your car doors locked.

* Vary your driving habits and routes. You wouldn't want anybody to be stalking you.

* Always check the backseat of your car before entering.

* Have your emergency numbers on speed dial.

There are other ways to stay safe. When you sense that something bad is about to happen or you feel that somebody is tailing you, trust your instincts. Hurry to a crowded place or places with police, guards or surveillance cameras.

Though you can't always depend on others, surveillance cameras or anything that help you when it counts most; it's important to have emergency numbers on the ready - police, a friend, or your parents. Never take chances when it's your life on the line. Terrorists and criminals show no mercy when they strike, but will think twice before harming you if they know help is coming fast.