Surveillance cameras have been used since 1942, when inventor and engineer Walter Burch used cameras at a rocket launch site in Peenemunde, Germany. Surveillance cameras have come a long way since then, they are now small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and some can even zoom in and read the lines of the magazine you are reading from across the room. The cameras are now used to assist police when investigating crimes, as well as responding to medical emergencies. They have become an exceptionally effective tool for protecting the general public from dangers such as theft, road accidents and other crimes. The use of surveillance cameras for security and crime prevention has grown significantly in recent years. Spaces such as shopping malls, parking lots, offices, airports, schools and other public and private places can now be equipped with these cameras. This means that a large number of crimes are filmed. Surveillance cameras can be very small and discreet, so that the culprits do not know that they are being recorded. In turn, the offenders' recordings can then be used in court as evidence against them (“Video Evidence”). Surveillance cameras, which were once tools for intelligent agents, are now used in the forensic field. The Security Industry Association said that in 2003 there were approximately two million surveillance cameras in operation in the United States, most of which were owned by private companies for security reasons. Many homes are also equipped with these surveillance cameras. A forensic investigator can then legally access these recordings, these recordings can then prove to be vital information for the events before, after and during the criminal activity. Communities are ...... middle of paper ...... used to stop vandalism, the use and sale of illegal drugs, racial harassment, sexual harassment, loitering, disorderly conduct and to improve property security. Few cameras are monitored “live”, they are watched after the events have occurred. Cameras reduce crime and anti-social behavior because when these events occur, they are automatically recorded. Surveillance cameras can and will contribute to public safety (Isnard, Addrienne). Since their invention in 1942, surveillance cameras have come a long way and have done a lot of good for public safety. They protect the public from criminals and can help in emergencies. Surveillance cameras also help in convicting criminals and monitoring traffic violations. They also help police investigate crimes. They have become a great way to keep people safe.