As urban populations boom worldwide and cities evolve into complex hubs of technology and interconnectivity, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors has never been a more important — and yet, a more complex job.

In order to safeguard urban lives, property, and infrastructure, video surveillance has been emerging as one of the single most efficient and indispensable tools.

In 2022, the worldwide market for video surveillance was valued at approximately USD 57 billion, and it is projected to experience a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4 percent from 2023 to 2030. This upward trajectory results from the rising need for security measures in a variety of settings, including educational institutions, airports, commercial enterprises, and residential areas — both in public and private sectors.

While there are still some misconceptions about video surveillance technologies, they’re essential in keeping the smart cities of our future secure for the following reasons.

9 Benefits of Video Surveillance in Smart Cities

1. Deterrence of Criminal Activity: The sight of a video camera alone acts as a powerful deterrent to potential criminals. Knowing they are being watched, individuals with criminal motivations are less likely to engage in unlawful activities such as theft, vandalism, or acts of violence. There’s a growing body of evidence about the link between decreased crime rate and video surveillance.
2. Rapid Incident Detection and Response: Video surveillance systems provide real-time monitoring and recording capabilities. In the event of an incident or emergency, security personnel and law enforcement can quickly identify and respond to the situation, potentially preventing harm and minimizing damage.
3. Evidence Collection: Video footage serves as valuable evidence in criminal investigations and court proceedings. It can provide critical information about suspects, vehicles, and the sequence of events leading up to and following a crime, aiding in the identification and prosecution of offenders.
4. Traffic Management: Video cameras are used for traffic monitoring and management in smart cities. They can detect traffic violations, accidents, and congestion, enabling traffic authorities to optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance road safety.
5. Emergency Management: During natural disasters, accidents, or other emergencies, video surveillance can provide crucial situational awareness. It helps authorities assess the extent of the crisis, allocate resources, and make informed decisions to protect citizens and property.
6. Crowd Control: Smart cities often host large events and gatherings. Video surveillance assists in monitoring crowd behavior, identifying potential security threats, and managing crowd flow to prevent overcrowding and ensure public safety.
7. Predictive Analytics: Advanced video surveillance systems can utilize machine learning and AI algorithms to analyze video data and detect anomalies or patterns indicative of potential security threats. This empowers proactive security measures and early intervention.
8. Infrastructure Protection: Critical infrastructure such as power plants, water treatment facilities, and transportation networks are potential targets for attacks. Video surveillance helps protect these vital assets by monitoring access points and detecting unauthorized activities.
9. Public Accountability: Publicly accessible video footage can promote transparency and accountability in law enforcement and government activities. It can serve as a check on abuse of power and ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions.

Video Surveillance: Cornerstone of Smart City Security

Security is the foundation of any thriving urban environment. It’s also an ever-evolving process with a constantly changing landscape. While there’s no single tool or solution that will answer all security needs, video surveillance stands as a fundamental pillar of security strategies in the smart cities of today and tomorrow.