Closed Circuit Television sometimes known as surveillance cameras makes use of a video camera which transmits the video image to a set of monitors. This is used in order to survey areas for security purposes. Usually these surveillance cameras are used in shopping stores, fast food restaurants, convenience stores, airports, casinos, military instillations and banks. They are there to document anything which goes on in different areas within a control room mainly to guard and secure sensitive areas.

            There are different types of surveillance cameras available today. First are the wired surveillance cameras. This type of camera is used for permanent setups. In other words, it is used to monitor a location wherein the camera wouldn't need to be changed or relocated. These types of surveillance cameras are usually installed by professionals. Then there are the wireless surveillance cameras which is the exact opposite of the former. It is fairly easy to install and it can be transferred simply from one location to another.

            There are also specialized surveillance cameras available in the market. One such camera are the covert surveillance cameras which are hidden inside everyday objects such as wall clocks, centrepieces or even children's toys. It is useful for those who would want to record and monitor locations without anyone knowing it. Night vision surveillance cameras are also available. These types of cameras are useful for low light areas wherein a normal camera would be unable to function properly. Last there are the fake surveillance cameras. These cameras are cheap alternatives to the rest. Basically they look like surveillance cameras however they do not function; they are simply used in order to make people think that they are being watched.

            Through the years, technology has innovated what these surveillance cameras can do. Today, they can now be plugged into computers to create complicated commands such as automatically follow anything that moves. It could now also follow a single person in a crowd. Face recognition software is now also available for surveillance cameras so that it can detect people the user is looking for. Due to its efficacy, these cameras have become very popular appliances for businesses, homes and even public places and areas such as streets and parks. Especially with the heightened security against terrorism, these cameras are in demand. The problem however is that the use of surveillance cameras in public places has been subject to debate.

            Some people have begun to complain about surveillance cameras as a tool which violates everyone's personal right to privacy. Those opposed to the use of surveillance cameras also say that this system only displaces crime instead of preventing them. Of course this has been countered by those who believe in the use of surveillance cameras that it is only used in public places and public safety outweighs the need for privacy; this argument is often backed by the example from the London Underground bombings wherein the use of surveillance cameras were a huge part in the investigation of the terrorist attack.