There are many uses for surveillance cameras besides uses for the home. Of course using surveillance cameras have long been the standard for government buildings, banks, casinos, and airports but now surveillance cameras seem to be popping up everywhere you look. In most new cases, surveillance cameras are used to monitor cities big and small.
Surveillance Cameras monitor for Terror Threats and monitor High Crime Areas
Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the government has allotted billions of dollars to cities to install security cameras and more money is still coming. These cameras not only monitor for a possible terrorist threat but also monitor high crime areas. Cameras are installed specifically to catch someone on tape in the act of a crime, which can be used later as evidence. Does the public like this? Shockingly, yes, that is if you believe surveys. According to one survey conducted by ABC News, 71% of Americans favor the increased use of surveillance cameras, while 25% oppose it. (New York plans to add 3000 more surveillance cameras by the year 2010.)
Surveillance Cameras monitor Traffic
What would a morning TV news program be without all the traffic cams? Traffic cameras reveal where the accidents and traffic bottlenecks are so drivers can avoid the area and so people who need to help can find the area. Most traffic cams are mounted high up on buildings or traffic signs. Any major city is likely to have a network of live traffic cameras that monitor road conditions and feed that information to law enforcement and EMS. In most cases that video is also made available to the public via the internet.
Surveillance Cameras being mounted on street lights
More and more surveillance cameras are being placed at major intersections in some cities. The cameras automatically photograph vehicles that drive into and pass intersections after the light turns red. Car owners are then sent citations in the mail. Despite opposition, the red light surveillance cameras are growing. According to the Insurance Institute, 250 communities around the nation use the technique to catch those breaking the law, where as just ten years ago, only New York and San Francisco had them.
Construction Monitoring
Often video surveillance camera are used at construction sites to not only monitor the employees and progress but to monitor the equipment and material when no one is around. Night vision cameras are common for this use of construction monitoring. Also, because of the harsh environments, which include rain, ice, and heat, the cameras must be durable, sturdy, and weatherproof. In this case of construction monitoring, IP surveillance makes for the best scenario because a manager can view video from a remote location.
Work Performance Monitoring
Employees might not like it, but by now many may be use to it, and that's having a camera watch you while you work. With video surveillance cameras managers can keep an eye on employees and see how they utilize their time and their interaction with customers. In addition, management can monitor customer patterns. This enables management to see the flow of in house traffic and identify peak hours.