• Informatization Policy
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.3-19
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• 2018

With the introduction of video cameras into law enforcement, a great deal of police organizations have adopted the technology in their routine crime prevention activities. The up-to-date systems of ambient surveillance energized by CCTV, police wearable cameras, drones, and thermal imaging devices enable the police to thoroughly monitor public spaces as well as to rigorously arrest on-scene criminals. These efforts to improve the level of surveillance are often met with public resistance raising concerns over citizens' rights to privacy. Recent studies on the use of police video equipment have constantly raised the issues related to the lack of applicable legal provisions, risk of personal information and privacy infringement as well as security vulnerabilities. In this regard, the present study attempted to review the public surveillance methods currently used by law enforcement agencies worldwide within the context of public safety and individual rights to privacy. Furthermore, the present study also discussed the legal boundaries of police use of video equipment to address public concerns over privacy issues.