Smile for the camera

I’m going to get all academic on your ass. No not really, but in thinking about things today I was reminded of my view on the view of CCTV cameras. Closed circuit television cameras. Today’s society is becoming used to the fact that they’re around and some may even think, feeling safer, about them watching our every move, well not every one but just the important ones. Smile for the camera.

The bad guys and girls that break the law should have a lot to fear, well that’s if they fear getting caught, while those who work in so called high or even low risk workplaces should feel safer. Idiots come in to rob the place and all the ridiculously placed cameras record is an incredibly blurred shot of the head of “some goombert” from some ninety-eight metres away.

Why the “mother truckin hell” are they they like that ? Who decided that we wouldn’t know they’re there, or even that the somewhat disguised fools wouldn’t know. The sheer silliness of their placement in these high or low risk workspaces where innocent workers get robbed, bashed and worse by loonies looking for a quick buck, is up for some serious rethinking me thinks.

So the topic for today dear reader, is posed in question form:

• Would you agree to be recorded, as in a clear face height, full face, front on digital video of your good self, as you walked in to the business.
• Would you agree to have a video, same details as in face height, full face of your good self as you make your purchase, those sly adulteress contraceptive purchases may have to be a bit more discrete.
• Would you then as a condition of entry, by reading the unmistakably obvious signage as you entered, agree to this process.
• Knowing that the right of access to these recording is only permitted via a court warrant and only pertinent to an actual crime.

The camera lens would be and should be, fairly and squarely pointed at the faces of those entering, those making a purchase and those dropkicks that decide to rob with or without violence. This activity will be captured by a bomb proof, paint proof, damage of any kind proof camera housing built into the shop fitting stuff.

No need to think that no-one knows the cameras are there. Highlight the shit out of them and make sure everybody knows that it’s happening. Some would be hidden of course.Here’s a personal view on CCTV cameras. So when you go to the store, service station, video store or local dodgy hot dog stand – be prepared to be captured on video and be pleased about it, please.