In many cities, the use of video cameras in public places is being increased in order to reduce crime, but some people believe thet these measures restrict our individual freedom. Do the benefits of increased security outweigh the drawbacks?

Installing security cameras in public places has gain immense popularity in a number of cities; however, it is sometimes argued that these measures lead to an invasion of privacy. While I understand that the wide spread of video cameras in these places is a double-edged sword, I am personally convinced that the advantages outnumber the disadvantages.

On the one hand, security cameras installed densely in the public may constrain people’s freedom. There have been controversies about installing surveillance cameras in each classroom at schools. Despite the benefits of monitoring the learning process, this implies that the students will probably do something wrong which is why their activities need to be recorded. Moreover, doing so can make the lessons’ atmosphere become more suffocating, which lets both teachers and students feel miserable.

On the other hand, the community can gain more benefits from the wide spread of using surveillance cameras in public places to decrease crime rate. Public places attract thousands of citizens to come per day; therefore, installing these cameras prevent popular sites from becoming easy targets. Regarding people who tend to make crime, the sheer thought of getting caught red-handed seems enough for them to be on their best behaviors as their actions may be captured. Another merit of using video cameras in public places is that it enables the management staff to monitor the activities of people as well as the goings-on at these places. Thus, it can easily detect suspicious people and keep tabs on them.

In conclusion, while several people take the view that the wide installation of security cameras in public places limits individuals’ freedom, I still believe that the benefits of using them outweigh the drawbacks.