Answer to Question #158336 in Microeconomics for QASIM

Question

Q.3. Essay Writing Task                                               [10 Marks] 

Many people feel that the use of surveillance cameras in public places, such as parking lots, is a good idea that can help ensure our safety. Others worry that too many cameras violate our right to privacy and give law enforcement officials too much power. In your opinion, should we install more surveillance cameras in public places? Why or why not? 

Your task is to write a five paragraph ‘argumentative’ essay of 450-words to support your position with specific reasons and examples.

Answer 1

Surveillance cameras in public places have been introduced due to increasing cases of crimes reported by the people on the streets. The common types of crimes on the increase are eve-teasing, chain snatching, molestation, and many others in the society. To address such challenges, many people have supported the installation of CCTV cameras in public places like libraries, railway stations, street corners, and public terminals. Installation of cameras in public places infringes the privacy of the people but the benefits outweigh challenges forcing many people to support the program. More surveillance cameras should be installed in public places as it improves the safety of the public. In the same notion that the CCTV cameras installed in the home improved the security status within the compound, surveillance cameras in the public will enhance the security status in the area. The people will stay safe while undertaking their daily duties like traveling, shopping, and even attending nightclubs.

The availability of surveillance cameras will help in reducing the rates of crime. When the people are aware that their moves are monitored all the time, they will avoid engaging in criminal activities leading to reduced crime rates. For example, Hyderabad police reported 14% reduction on crime rates after installation of surveillance cameras in the public places. Surat City has also reported 27% reduction in crime rates after installation of surveillance cameras in public places.

With the help of public video retrieved from surveillance cameras in public places, criminals tracked down and arrested without any challenge. The chances of arrested a criminal who commits a crime in public places with surveillances cameras are vey high as compared with the places without cameras. In the recent years, facial recognition technology has helped the law enforcers to track down the criminals committing crimes in public places. Such technology cannot be applied without installation of surveillance cameras in the public places to help in capturing the faces and other body movements of the criminals.

Installation of surveillance cameras in the public places helps in collecting evidence and clues in the crime scenes. Clues and evidences in the crime scenes are very importance for the prosecutors to build string cases against the suspected criminals. In crime scenes where the offenders were not seen and reported, the police will rely on the surveillance cameras to gather for the clues and evidence, which will help in placing the suspect in the crime scene.

A surveillance camera in the public places helps in boosting the overall conveniences. Apart from the security matters, surveillance camera in the public places help in monitoring and controlling road conditions using real-time traffic. The upcoming smart cities in India and other developed countries have adopted the strategy of surveillance cameras in the public places to control the traffic and road conditions.