Most people are aware of CCTV surveillance as it is widely used commercially and in the public sector – for example, in offices, shops, and on public transport – and often featured in the media.
CCTV is an acronym for Closed Circuit Television: “closed-circuit” as in an installation of directly connected components creating a circuit that cannot be viewed by anybody outside of the circuit, unlike a terrestrial television broadcast system which can be viewed by anybody with the appropriate reception equipment.
An obvious use for CCTV is to prevent crime and malpractice but it is also a valuable business management tool offering staff protection, supporting Health & Safety initiatives, aiding investigations, proving innocence, and avoiding lawsuits. Other examples of its use help with production control and other observational objectives in factories.