“Bonus Mission #1: Safety measure or invading privacy??”

Photo 1

Photo 2


Photo 3

The above 3 photographs were taken at the lift of a HDB flat. Photo 1 shows that the lift area is fixed with CCTV and the area is watched 24 hours everyday. "Surveillance in many modern cities and buildings often uses closed-circuit television cameras. Although surveillance can be a useful tool for law enforcement and security companies, many people have concerns about the loss of privacy" ("Surveillance", 2007). As the bonus task, we are supposed to take pictures of interesting things that people do but relate it to the topic, that is, privacy. I thought of taking pictures of people really doing funny things but my camera was not always ready to catch these good stuffs, so I decided to take pictures of stationary things yet related to the topic.

Regarding the 3 pictures, I had mixed feelings. I know that the purpose of setting the area under surveillance is for the safety of the residents. Just like Photo 2, it allows others to see what is happening in the lift. This is especially beneficial for the elderly. For example, if they were to fall in the lift, someone will see it through the TV outside the lift and hopefully provide help. In addition, this prevents thieves and robbers to carry out their evil plans as their identity will be exposed and revealed as they are being "featured" on TV.

On one hand, I am for the idea of CCTV due to its benefits. On the other hand, I feel that other than pros, there are cons too. Firstly, I have a few doubts and thoughts about the CCTV:

1) I wonder do they taped down what happens everyday and keep records so that if things like crimes happen, the police can reference and attain some clues?

2) Even if so, meaning that if everything is recorded, would it not cost a lot of money for the electricity, film etc?

3) Also, even with the CCTV, will anyone help out in times of need (e.g. robbery)?

4) Lastly, the main issue I find disturbing is the invasion of privacy. Though having CCTV in neighbourhoods does improve security and safety, I feel that the privacy of the residents are invaded too! As seen in Photo 3, even the staircase areas are under surveillance! If I am a resident living there, I will feel very resticted and feels uncomfortable when I am constantly under watch. Living in such an environment will definitely make me feel more tensed. Personally, I am someone who do a last check on myself before leaving the house. However, there are others who would "tidy" themselves on their way down the stairs or lifts. (I mean adjusting their clothes or maybe digging their nose.) Hence, with the CCTV, whatever that people do, they are watched! (= invading privacy)

As cited, "The growing pressure to expose ourselves in front of strangers has obvious and important consequences for a democracy’s ability to strike a balance between liberty and security" ("The Naked Crowd", 2004). In this case, we are exposed to our neighbours. There is only a fine line bewteen security and privacy. Hence, is CCTV at the lifts and stairs area a safety measure or is it an invasion of privacy? Well, I guess this will be up to individuals to decide.


Reference:

Rosen, J. (2004). The Naked Crowd. Retrieved March 9, 2007, from http://www.spiked-online.com/Printable/0000000CA5FF.htm

Wikipedia: The free encyclopedia. (2007, 9 March). Surveillance. Retrieved 10 March, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surveillance