Video Aids Law Enforcement in UK

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Edward_Primeau]Edward Primeau
Nearly every United States metropolitan area has some type of closed circuit television system. There are cameras on utility poles in busy intersections, in front of government buildings, and in front of other high crime areas for the purpose of deterring crime.
The United States was one of the first countries to install metropolitan CCTV systems. Other countries are following along as security becomes a growing concern.
Many cities across the globe are installing CCLV systems. Digital closed-circuit television systems aid law enforcement by catching crimes on camera. Police then review that camera recording and seek the criminals.
In the UK, riots are breaking out and instigators do not realize that London is one of the most wired-up cities on the planet. Similar to Denver, Colorado, London has closed circuit television cameras all over recording many of the riots that have recently broken out.
After a riot, the London police scan 30 images per second, looking for the best one that shows who may be responsible for starting that particular riot. The image or picture is then posted on the Internet, broadcasted on television, and even placed in the newspapers. This is helping solve the London riots and assure the citizens that something is being done to keep their streets safe.
Somewhere in London there is a huge computer that stores hundreds of thousands-if not millions-of gigabytes of digital video footage. The computer interface aids the investigators in discovering details of crimes committed on London streets.
Some say that CCTV systems used here in the United States are violating our constitutional rights. Rather than getting sidetracked on our right to privacy, litigators use CCTV footage to solve crime, not to invade your privacy. Any time you are outside of your home, you may be recorded on video. There are cameras in shopping centers, gas stations, party stores, banks, and even many homes.
Video forensic experts help litigators understand the relevancy of media and other technical evidence while keeping their opinions simple and easy to understand.
As a video forensic expert, I am asked to review footage that was recorded on these CCTV systems, export frames from the video and create and clarify images, prove authenticity, and help courts better understand the digital video recording process and use of video as evidence.
It's rare, but I have even experienced video evidence that was altered by someone who was trying to beat the system. Many people do get away with evidence tampering, and forensic experts can aid with authenticating evidence so the litigators can move on with their process.
One of forensic experts' biggest mistakes is making their reports and testimonies too complicated for the courts to understand. CCTV systems are complicated machinery and computer systems. Instead of unnecessarily over complicating reports and testimonies. make opinions available in practical, down-to-earth, easy-to-understand English (or whatever language you are speaking).
Simply put, the world is rapidly changing and technology has made a grand entrance into the court room. We are all adjusting to technology and learning how to accept it and its ability to help law enforcement keep our streets safe.
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