A LONE attacker knifing women in Karachi has proved the futility of the multi-million-rupee security cameras installed in our major cities. Reportedly, these cameras are ineffective in adverse weather, loadshedding and nighttime.
We have seen its utility as TV footage but not in crime prevention. If criminals arrested with the help of security cameras are compared with those arrested without, the cost and effortsinvolvedin the installation, operation, maintenance and replacement of cameras may not be justified.
Earlier, scanners worth an exorbitant sum were imported which proved a failure. The imported security equipment has not been able to help minimise crime against people, as expected.
The government should give serious consideration to a human surveillance system instead.
