Cameras that don’t see

Just how effective are CCTV cameras, and how many are functional?

Over the past few years, CCTV cameras installed at all kinds of buildings have become one of the mainstays of the security set-up we so badly need to prevent not only acts of terrorism but also other kinds of violent crimes. But in Lahore, at least, and perhaps in other cities the question has arisen of just how effectively these cameras work after all and how many are still in a functional state. After all good maintenance and efficient supervision is not a strong point in our country.

According to a report in this newspaper, a further three closed circuit television cameras installed at the Lahore sessions courts had stopped working. It is presumed others had packed up previously. This means there is no way to monitor events such as shootings, attacks on litigants or other acts of violence at the family courts where such events often take place. Judging by this situation the question also arises of how many other CCTV cameras installed in other, even more sensitive buildings, such as those housing security agencies may not be in a fully functional state. The thought is a rather alarming one. It is clear that, given the times we live in, we need the highest possible security cover in all kinds of places. Modern technology offers a means to achieve this. But it can work only if the humans involved in running it adopt a responsible attitude and are able to ensure the equipment is kept in good order and regularly monitored for faults.

We have also seen instances of a failure to regularly monitor the events shown on the CCTV cameras. This happens at security buildings, schools, hospitals and all kinds of other sensitive installations, somewhat defeating the purpose of the entire exercise. We need to take measures to take our security issues much more seriously. Pakistan has already been rated as one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Murders, violent death, kidnappings and bombings have become a way of life. We can not adopt a cavalier attitude to what is happening and in this the government needs to take appropriate steps.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 5^th, 2011.