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Privacy Law Resources |
Initially it might seem that a surveillance camera in the workplace is little different to a pair of human eyes which might belong to a supervisor. As one submission from within the security industry argued:
"Camera observation is simply an electronic means of extending an employer's eyes into areas during times when he (sic) could otherwise not afford to employ a supervisor."17
However, video surveillance possesses a number of unique characteristics which distinguish it from traditional forms of workplace oversight of another individual:
* the conduct of surveillance is constant rather than casual or periodic;
* an extensive area can be surveyed quickly by video surveillance;
* it is possible to focus immediately and closely on a particular area or person through the zoom capacity of cameras;
* it is relatively cheap to install and to upgrade;
* cameras may be so small as to be virtually impossible to detect;
* video surveillance is able to create a permanent and reproducible record of an event, while human visual surveillance is only able to create a memory; as a result, video cameras may be considered to be more reliable and consistent than a human being, and less prone to subjectivity, memory loss and prejudice;
* video camera evidence may be persuasive in a court of law;
* suspects whose illegal acts are filmed on camera may be far more likely to confess guilt than those whose acts were witnessed by people;
* some video cameras may be able to film effectively in conditions of virtually complete darkness, and
* video surveillance makes possible live viewing of activities in remote areas through electronic transmission.
There are several different features to the closed circuit television equipment used in video surveillance. Fixed cameras, which are able to film one setting without the capacity to zoom or to move, are most common in older surveillance systems and are the least expensive surveillance unit. More modern cameras are able to pan across an area, tilt at different angles and zoom in to give a clearer picture of some form of activity.
When a camera is sited openly, it is often possible to make an assessment of the extent of the area which is under surveillance. However, in recent years it has become increasingly common to house camera units behind dark perspex domes. If a camera is housed behind a dome, its direction cannot be detected. People are then more likely to modify their behaviour if they are unsure whether they are being watched at any point in time. A camera housed in a dome may therefore have the same deterrent effect as several fixed position cameras.
Camera units may also be equipped with an audio recording capacity, but this does not currently appear to be widespread. Although the cost of adding the audio facility is only marginal, for most employers it offers limited benefit because they use video surveillance to identify an observable rather than an audible problem. In addition, such use of audio surveillance may breach the Listening Devices Act 1984 (NSW).
A key feature of more recent developments in video surveillance technology is miniaturisation. Printed Circuit Board and "Lipstick" video cameras have allowed camera units to be miniaturised to the extent that they are smaller than a cigarette packet and can now be placed in almost any location. This easily facilitates the conduct of covert surveillance, and minimises the difficulty in installing equipment. Powerful zooming capacities also make it possible to identify individuals kilometres away from the camera location.
Ultimately, video surveillance functions may be integrated with converging information and communication technologies. The future desktop computing unit in offices and many households may be a multi-media unit which both displays images to the user, as well as recording the user. Already, a camera and video card can be added to computers for a relatively low price. This technology would allow videophone and tele-conferencing applications, as well as being used as a means of identifying the user, and to maintain the security of information.
Advances in the technology of video surveillance are continuing and have moved into a new stage with the advent of digital technology. New products continue to arrive on the market, promising significant improvements in such features as picture quality, zooming capacity, miniaturisation, remote transmission, night vision, and cost. Most current applications do not fully utilise the capacities of video surveillance opened up by technological advances. The following chapter examines the purposes for current applications of video surveillance in workplaces.