To combat or at least lessen the emergence of crime, people developed the concept and application of law enforcement. Tools and means were given to them for such a purpose. As the times went by, these tools and ways improved as crime became more complex. For example, swords and arrows gave way to high-powered guns. Bolas and staves gave way to nonlethal weapons, such as, tear gas and rubber bullets. Horses that were once used to chase outlaws made way to fast motorcycle and cars.



Yet another way to unobtrusively prevent or stop crime is through surveillance. Passive surveillance has helped law enforcement monitor crime-prone areas or check out activities that may indicate a crime in progress. Through surveillance, law enforcement can respond more quickly to a crime in progress. Also, surveillance allows police to collect evidence to convict a criminal and place him behind bars.

There are many kinds of equipment and methods for surveillance. Foremost, however, are outdoor security cameras. These cameras, sometimes called CCTVs, provide high-definition images of suspects. More advanced models are equipped with ultra sensitive microphones to record possibly clandestine conversations.

One of the factors that are necessary for the effectiveness of the cameras is placement. These cameras should be placed in strategic places to maximize their efficiency. Here are some of the most common places where cameras are placed:

1. The sides of buildings – corners are very strategic. Cameras that are situated in these locations are able to take images of activities in alleys, corridors, and sidewalks were people are not likely to look.

2. Top of lampposts – cameras at the top of lampposts provide a bird's eye view of the surrounding area. These cameras are the first line of surveillance. This location also takes preference since the cameras' views are less likely to be blocked by trees and other objects.

3. Inside traffic lights – cameras inside traffic lights observe the flow of traffic and are essential in catching traffic violators. Most of these cameras are built inside the traffic light unit itself, making it unobtrusive.

4. Gateposts – outdoor security cameras are also placed on gateposts, especially on important edifices, such as, embassies, government offices, and police stations. These areas are tempting target for terrorists and other people with nefarious objectives.

5. On trees – some cameras are attached to trees, especially in places such as parks. Leaves and branches provide camouflage for these cameras. The main disadvantage though is that these same leaves and branches can block the cameras' views.

6. Inside decorations – small cameras can be installed hidden behind picture frames and clocks. These are unobtrusive and can record whatever happened inside the house or an establishment even if the owner is not there. In fact, these cameras have caught erring employees doing some really disgusting deeds .. . without them knowing it! They don't know that a camera is hidden inside that clock, speaker, or lamp socket.