Development of HD CCTV cameras

From solving murders and spotting shoplifters, to social media videos of bad parking and dog owners failing to pick up after their pooch – the use of CCTV systems has come a long way.

Today, advances in high-definition video, cloud technology and wireless systems means we can be filmed hundreds of times a day: leaving our homes, driving to work, buying groceries and even just going for a walk.

CCTV has helped make us safer. The benefits captured the public’s attention in the 1980s, when the BBC TV series Crimewatch featured the technology to appeal for information about unsolved crimes. Police shared footage and asked the public to help identify suspects and re-trace missing people’s known movements. During its 33 years on air, the use of CCTV footage helped viewers identify the killers of victims including James Bulger and Sarah Payne.

The latest advances in technology combine the use of CCTV with facial recognition technology, which is being used for purposes including live crime prevention and measuring people’s reactions to adverts on digital billboards. From installing business monitoring systems or home doorbell cameras, everyone using CCTV has a responsibility to ensure they do so responsibly and in compliance with the law.