Towns and cities have started to adopt surveillance cameras at a rapid pace. It’s quite common to find security cameras in downtown areas, parks and intersections. Towns depend on visitors, tourists and consumers to keep local businesses thriving, and CCTV surveillance offers a unique security tool to ensure that consumers and towns are safe. Much like the UK which has widespread CCTV use, local government and cities in Canada and the US are starting to install CCTV cameras in public.

Municipal CCTV Benefits

Increase business – Visible CCTV cameras installed in risky and high-traffic areas help to reduce crime on the streets while encouraging consumers to safely visit restaurants and stores, increasing local revenue and business.

Reduce crime – CCTV Security cameras installed in public places help to reduce vandalism and crime while assisting local law enforcement in apprehending those criminals that are caught on camera.

City Improvement – Public CCTV surveillance cameras can help by attracting additional local business and the use of public facilities while encouraging a safe environment. CCTV cameras help to make public squares, parks, and city sidewalks safer, more secure and more hospitable for the public.

Government & Local Businesses – Many local businesses now work hand in hand with local government to help reduce crime. Many cities have begun to offer incentives for CCTV surveillance installations at local businesses

Downtown Surveillance Cameras

Privacy Protection – Private areas should never have security cameras aimed at them. Public CCTV cameras should not point towards private areas such as businesses, apartments, condos, studios, offices, or any other area where the owners simply do not want to be recorded.

Damages – Whenever you install cameras outdoors they run the risk of being damaged. Damage may come from various factors such as car accidents, vandalism, and weather. Install vandal proof cameras with environment controlled housings that specifically designed to be installed outdoors.

Civic CCTV System Questions and Considerations

All locations have different security camera needs. We suggest that you consider these factors before choosing a CCTV system for your city or town:

• What areas in your city or town would most benefit from public CCTV cameras?
• Have public gatherings brought issues during the past year? If so, where?
• Where would CCTV cameras be most beneficial?

CCTV Cameras in Urban Areas – Best Practices

• Consider the safety of the camera when installing, as well as the best possible place for an overall observation and recording.
• Consider offering an incentive to local businesses who install CCTV cameras.