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Patterns of use of video surveillance differ substantially between industries. In some industries, video surveillance serves almost exclusively as a security device to protect assets outside office hours; in other industries its role relates to monitoring production or deterring theft by employees. Table 2.1 lists some of the common uses of video surveillance in five major industries.
It is difficult to estimate the extent to which employees are under video surveillance in workplaces in New South Wales, and statistics from any such estimate would in any case be quickly outdated because of the rapid rate of increase in camera installations.
In recent years, it has become increasingly common for video cameras to be installed as a basic security device on premises which are vulnerable to theft or property damage. The cost of installing video surveillance cameras18, which starts from less than $2,000 for a single fixed unit and $5,000 for a unit with
pan, tilt and zoom capabilities, is low compared to the cost of employing a professional security guard.19 A basic installation for a large building would usually include cameras located at entry and exit points, in public lobbies, and on loading docks. Cameras may also be located in other parts of the premises which are considered particularly vulnerable to attack.
The industry which accounts for the largest investment in video surveillance is the retail industry, perhaps because the extent of losses in this industry is seen to justify a higher level of expenditure on security equipment. Employers may be able to protect their stocks from loss through surveillance of shop floors, stock reserves, loading docks, sales centres, fire stairs, entry and exit points and receiving and dispatch areas. Retail industry employers also argue that employees who face exposure to danger from contact with members of the public may be supportive of video surveillance because it may enhance personal security.
Industry Major Purposes Locations
Retail Stores Prevention of theft by Shopfront area
members of the public and by Cash rooms Loading
employees. docks Customer
traffic areas
Financial services Deterrence and All customer
identification of thieves access areas Safes
Customer service (eg queue Front and back
monitoring) entry points
Manufacturing, Occupational health and Production areas
warehousing, safety Prevention of theft Storage areas
distribution
Larger office Minimise security risks Lobbies Elevators,
buildings from unauthorised entry stair wells Car
parks
Leisure and Security of assets Main lobby and
entertainment Prevention of assaults, waiting areas
complexes anti-social behaviour Perimeters of
Improve sense of public property Car parks
safety
Table 2.1: Uses of video surveillance in specific industries
Businesses operating over a large area frequently use video surveillance for multiple purposes. In its submission to the Committee, an Australian firm involved in mining and manufacturing operations identified its main uses of video surveillance as process control, environmental monitoring, remote access control and security. In this firm, each video camera is used only for one purpose. However, in the future CCTV is likely to be seen as an integrated system which offers solutions to a range of problems relating to both security and management. Surveillance systems are likely to become multi-purpose as they are integrated with the telecommunications and information systems of businesses.
Evidence obtained in the course of the Committee's Inquiry suggests that most large businesses use video surveillance on their premises. Often businesses only install a small number of units in areas most vulnerable to external security threats. Smaller organisations are less likely to use video surveillance because they have less serious external security threats or because the task of identifying an employee who may be responsible for theft is far easier. In addition, a stronger relationship of trust between employers and employees frequently exists. The introduction of video surveillance in this environment can be counter productive because when cameras are installed, staff may perceive that the employer does not trust them.20