Cameras may also be located in other parts of the premises which are considered particularly vulnerable to attack. The industry which accounts for the largest investment in video surveillance is the retail industry, perhaps because the extent of losses in this industry is seen to justify a higher level of expenditure on security equipment. Employers may be able to protect their stocks from loss through surveillance of shop floors, stock reserves, loading docks, sales centres, fire stairs, entry and exit points and receiving and dispatch areas. Retail industry employers also argue that employees who face exposure to danger from contact with members of the public may be supportive of video surveillance because it may enhance personal security. Industry Major Purposes Locations Retail Stores Prevention of theft by Shopfront area members of the public and by Cash rooms Loading employees.
Businesses operating over a large area frequently use video surveillance for multiple purposes.
In its submission to the Committee, an Australian firm involved in mining and manufacturing operations identified its main uses of video surveillance as process control, environmental monitoring, remote access control and security. In this firm, each video camera is used only for one purpose. However, in the future CCTV is likely to be seen as an integrated system which offers solutions to a range of problems relating to both security and management. Surveillance systems are likely to become multi-purpose as they are integrated with the telecommunications and information systems of businesses. Often businesses only install a small number of units in areas most vulnerable to external security threats.