Abstract This paper is a research proposal about the use of surveillance cameras and their efficiency as a crime investigation tool as opposed to a deterring crime. In his introduction, the author of the proposal examines current literature regarding the utilization of video surveillance as a tool for fighting crime. In addition, the writer discusses the use of video surveillance as a crime deterrent, as well as an investigation tool. Finally, the author details his research proposal and procedure.
Outline:
Introduction
Hypothesis
Research Design
Setting
Independent Variables
Dependent Variables
Analysis of Data
Implications of Proposed Research
References
From the Paper "Much of the research surrounding video surveillance surrounds not public but private usage of video surveillance. The studies surround common crime centers such as convenience stores, which have been traditionally exposed to many crimes of property and often injuries and or loss of life. Convenience stores have taken many steps to reduce the incidence of robberies and one of them is implementing video surveillance, which often gets used by police to solve crime and at the very least create a set of information that time stamps occurrences and potentially offers identifying information of the suspects of the crime. The accepted existence of the cameras in such locations has not led to a decrease in robberies in most studies but is, when used correctly a substantial source of information for police when they are trying to apprehend criminals and explain forensic results."
Abstract This paper briefly explores some of the sociological implications swirling around the expansion of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The writer also discusses the general increase in formal and informal surveillance after 11 September, 2001. The paper looks at the impact upon America in terms of civil liberties, the financial cost of surveillance, and the impact upon America's standing in the world.
From the Paper "This paper explores the wide-spread implications of the Homeland Security Act and greater surveillance upon America's civil liberties, personal rights and freedoms, its government size and spending, and upon its foreign relations. The significance of the research paper - theoretically and practically - can be answered in two parts. In a theoretical sense, the animating question of this paper is important because it forces us to re-evaluate our traditional American understanding of the relationship of the government to its citizens."
Abstract This paper addresses the issue of what private industry can learn from casinos about state of the art security and surveillance systems. It also discusses the impact of monitoring on employees and the individual's expectation of privacy.
From the Paper "According to an article published in "Futurist Workplace" surveillance is on the rise as employers seek ways to monitor and improve workers' productivity. However the program may not work as intended. The more employees feel they are being monitored ..."
Tags: workplace surveillance, security, anti terrorism, workplace privacy issues, video monitoring employee theft
Abstract This paper considers the issue of employee privacy, reasons for and against surveillance and legal and ethical consequences. It describes various means and technology employed in gathering and retaining information.
From the Paper "Employers have long been concerned about how to improve productivity in the workplace. Unions were formed in part to ensure that workers received regular breaks and rest periods but many employers assume that their employees do not work at maximum productivity all of the time. With the increased dependence of the business world on the Internet employers are concerned that employees are surfing the Web on company time and certainly this assumption is correct in some cases. Just as companies worked out rules for ..."
Abstract This paper reviews Andrew Rudalevige's 2005 book "The New Imperial Presidency: Renewing Presidential Power after Watergate," which discusses the tendency of U.S. presidents to abuse their power and the constitutional role of Congress in keeping their power in check. The author explains how this precarious balance has been swayed in favor of the powers of the chief executive by wars and the national fear of the Soviets and communism, as well as by corruption in the White House. Rudalevige suggests that since only Congress can limit the power of the chief executive, it must exercise its right to do so if America is to retain a healthy balance of power between the legislature and the presidency.
From the Paper "However, as quickly as Congress tried to check executive authority, presidents tried to reassert their imperial power. To demonstrate how this has affected recent history, Rudalevige begins with the current Bush Administration's war on Iraq in his book. The Bush Administration is clearly his inspiration for his historical overview. Contrary to the lack of support the administration has in the legislature today, at the time of the beginning of the war, Congress was willing to accept the administration's assertion that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and some legislators stated openly that the president must "know more" than did the congress (12). Congress even put forth the president's tax cut bills without question and declared French fries to be replaced by freedom fries at the congressional cafeteria, because of the French condemnation of the war effort. "As 2002 closed, observers suggested that Bush had created one of the most powerful White Houses in at least a generation" (12)."
Tags:dictatorialunethicalsurveillance, Patriot Act, Guantanamo security authority, Vietnam War, Lewinsky
Abstract The primary focus of this study is a qualitative exploration of the changing nature of crime related to computer surveillance. Specifically, this study examines how advances in technology have facilitated computer crimes affecting both consumers and corporations. The extent to which computer surveillance crimes are becoming more insidious is explored, as well as any methods currently in use for deterring crime. The author explores the nature of computer crime and surveillance in a comprehensive literature review and combines the results of this examination with the information gained from surveying populations affected by computer surveillance. The conclusion of the study finds that the nature of crime is, in fact, changing in the face of technological advances. The author concludes that, though criminal activity is becoming more prevalent and problematic thanks to advances in surveillance, there still exist few solutions and statistical reports with regard to deterring criminal activity.
Abstract
Introduction
Background of The Problem
Rationale
Purpose/Objectives/Theoretical Framework
Research Hypothesis
Limitations
Summary of Remaining Chapters
Literature Review
Overview
Computer Crime in a Digital Age
The Impact of the Net on Computer Surveillance Networked Surveillance Electronic Surveillance in the Workplace
Deterring Crime
Deterrence and Encryption Technology
Methodology
Setting
Research Instrument
Survey Population/Description of the Subject
Hypothesis Evaluation
Hypothesis 1
Data/Analysis
Hypothesis 2
Data/Analysis
Conclusions/Recommendations
Discussion
Conclusion
Recommendations
From the Paper "A primary objective of the paper will be to assess changes in the nature of monitoring in recent years in addition to the impact computer surveillance has had vs. traditional surveillance methods. A qualitative study will be conducted in order to uncover trends and the implications of advanced technological incentives on computer surveillance activity. A qualitative study is most appropriate with regard to this subject, as an empirical or experimental examination would be impossible given the few available resources allocated to conducting a project of this scope. In addition, at this time there is limited information with regard to computer surveillance and statistics, due in part to a lack of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and technology firms who are consistently in competition to outperform one another (Shelley, 1998)."
Abstract This paper discusses methods of police surveillance and looks at four general types of surveillance: visual surveillance, audio surveillance, moving surveillance and contact surveillance. The paper then discusses how methods of surveillance have changed with advances in technology and how police departments might be shaped to adjust to visual, audio and locational changes in the future.
From the Paper "Finally, given the presence of cell phones and other monitoring devices in modern life, a final resource to recruit is the public. Encouraging the public to be vigilant and report crime quickly and educating members of the public as to what to watch for, what to report, and how to use their personal technology for the public good is another important facet of modernizing every level of the modern police force. The public is not a paid member of the force, but everyone can benefit by increased public knowledge and reporting of crimes. The public also has valuable crime-prevention technology at its fingertips in the form of cell phones--as well as its eyes and ears."
Abstract A discussion of the pros and cons of surveillance in the United States, looking at whether more surveillance for protection against terrorism outweighs intrusion of one's privacy. The terrorist attacks on 9/11 saw an increase in surveillance and new laws passed concerning wire-tapping. The three characteristics of surveillance technology used to describe its various aspects, amplification, re-utilization, and sublimation are examined. The author investigates whether surveillance is ethical and if it could really have prevented past or prevent future terrorist attacks.
From the Paper "When Orson Wells wrote his famous novel about government surveillance taken to the extreme, the world he described seemed very unrealistic. However, at the turn of the new millenium, the world that he describes is not so different and it seems as if we are just one step away from the "thought police" knocking on the door. For some this gives them an extra-added element of security, but others see it as a serious infringement on their freedom.
Today, we are watched in a variety of ways. Every where you look, you see video cameras recording our every move. Wiretaps are frequent and devices that transmit over the air such as cell phones are easy targets for those trying to hone in on our private affairs. The government monitors our email and web surfing activities, our bank accounts, credit card accounts and almost anything else you can think of."
This paper analyzes the video and audio surveillance industry in terms of security and business applications, using a company called "Spying Eye Surveillance" as an example.
Abstract This paper explains that, in today's highly technical, post 9/11 society, a new industry is developing, commonly known as the video surveillance industry, particularly in more developed nations such as the United States, China, Japan, and across Europe, which has developed dramatically, and, along with this development, has come many obstacles, including technological, governmental and legal ramifications. The author includes an overview of the industry in general; trends for the particular types of surveillance utilized by "Spying Eye Surveillance", an independently owned company that specializes in video and audio surveillance products for businesses and security personnel; projections for the growth of these types of companies and the strengths and weaknesses of the industry. The paper outlines some of the potential implications experienced by this industry, including governmental restrictions and legal ramifications for abuse of technology.
From the Paper "However, in other cases, the issues are not as clear. For example, in the Virginia Court of Appeals in 1999, a man's conviction for using a spy camera to videotape underneath women's dresses on a public fairground was overturned, with the note that no expectation of privacy should have been held by the women. In this case, the local court's belief that this type of surveillance violated the Fourth Amendment obviously did not agree with the opinions of the State court. Additional cases have been noted both in favor of and against the placement of video surveillance in such places as fitting rooms and school locker rooms."
Abstract In this essay, the writer argues that privacy is very important in a liberal, democratic state and that it should be extended to the fullest practicable extent. At the same time, the writer also maintains that privacy concerns have to be balanced against the understandable need to protect others in society - this is especially true in a day and age of global terrorism. As a result of all this, the writer proposes that one should draw the line on surveillance in the following way: In the public space one should permit video surveillance, visual surveillance, and intermittent "checks" on employees just as long as the surveillance adheres to the standard of reasonableness articulated by the United States Supreme Court in "O'Connor v. Ortega". Turning to the private sphere, the writer holds that the much tougher standard of probable cause should be employed when it comes to watching and/or searching a citizen's private dwelling. A significant component of this paper is also set aside to looking at different types of surveillance approaches or activities and when and where each one is defensible - and when and where each one is not. The writer concludes that society does itself a grave injury by not ensuring that the prying eyes of the government cannot intrude into the inner sanctum of our lives.
From the Paper "For one thing, the more traditional Fourth Amendment warrant and probable-cause requirements - requirements that permitted law enforcement searches of the personal possessions of private citizens - should really only apply in instances where a private dwelling is being searched or a personal vehicle is being searched; in cases where it is a desk or file or locker at a place of business, "reasonableness" alone is sufficient because the smooth operation of the workplace demands that investigations be launched periodically when an employee's performance or conduct is damaging to the organization. Additionally, when people enter someone else's private dwelling, they usually do so because they have been invited into that dwelling; to simply invite oneself in is, of course, tantamount to criminal trespass. Conversely, when people enter a public space to work, they are not doing so of their own volition but because they have a contractual obligation to do so; in other words, if they decline to appear (enter into that public space) for work without a legitimate reason (such as illness) or without proper notification, they run the risk of being ejected from their position. Because other people have to be present, a safety issue inevitably comes into play in public spaces - one that demands reasonable precautions be undertaken by management to protect others from possible harm."
Abstract This paper discusses surveillance in the light of Aristotles' "Nicomachean Ethics," and argues that hierarchical surveillance gives good cause for sousveillance, a reactionary kind of civil disobedience first practiced in France. The author defines and describes surveillance and sousveillance and shows that since surveillance is non-virtuous and, therefore, irrational by Aristotle's standards, it is appropriate to counter it with sousveillance, which is equally non-virtuous and irrational.
From the Paper "In today's popular culture, power often falsely equates to virtue. Therefore many will unthinkingly 'follow the leader' [trust blindly]; become 'team players' [never question authority]; 'support the troops' [cheer on America at war, no matter what]; act 'patriotic' [act like a Republican]. This is coercion, not leadership; and coercion leading to peer-pressurized 'group-think' is not virtuous, nor is it rational or the result of either virtuous or rational thinking. Sousveillance (which is of course equally irrational, but deliberately, comically, and ironically so) is an excellent counterpoint."
Abstract This paper discusses how public video surveillance is becoming one of the hottest issues regarding privacy rights today. Already common in some countries, public video surveillance is now being used in the United States in places such as street corners, where video cameras are installed to see what people on the street are doing, and at big public events such as the Super Bowl. It shows that, while this new video surveillance is being done under the guise of protecting the security of the general public, it has also brought with it a host of new and serious issues regarding the right to privacy. It debates such issues as how much privacy are we entitled to in a free democratic society, where should the eyes of the federal government not be prying, and whether there are any realistic limits to the invasion of privacy in the name of public safety anymore.
From the Paper "Surveillance technology has taken many drastic leaps and bounds in many years, as companies scramble to produce it to meet the growing demand for it by government agencies and other consumers who wish to monitor their fellow man. I.B.M., in fact, has recently announced that it would offer a new system of consulting and system-design services for digital network-based video surveillance systems ("Big Blue" 2003). I.B.M. wants retail stores, corporations, and government agencies to abandon older analogue systems and to move the management of surveillance operations to corporate surveillance management departments that will specialize in the operations of such technology. Unlike older systems, digital images can be indexed and searched easily and can easily capture the face of nearly everyone who walks through the doors of a store on any given day."
A research paper examining the argument that surveillance results in negative impacts to both the quality and quantity of work of employees who are under electronic surveillance.
Abstract This research paper attempts to ascertain whether the pervasive workplace monitoring in today's businesses and organizations is effective in nature and whether this pervasive monitoring of employees is really needed and furthermore the ultimate driver of this surveillance. It concludes that findings have shown that stress, high tension, headaches and extreme anxiety as well as depression, anger, severe fatigue and musculoskeletal problems are derivatives of the impact of electronic surveillance in the workplace. While employers do have the right to conduct monitoring in the workplace and this certainly has been the case in historically and traditionally, there are considerations of the employer and laws and regulations that are necessary to ascertain information on the part of the manager in order to be in compliance on the part of the organization.
Outline:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Methodology
Literature Review
Summary of the Literature Review
Findings of the Study
Recommendations
From the Paper "The work of Patrick W. Schmitz entitled: "Workplace Surveillance, Privacy Protection, and Efficiency Wages" published in the Labor Economics journal (2004) states that workplace surveillance technology is infiltrating the employee's daily environment. It has been estimated that in the United States more than twenty million workers were subject to electronic monitoring in 1993 that companies spent more than $1 billion on monitoring software in 1996, and that by now 80 percent of US corporations keep their employees under regular surveillance." This is stated to be accomplished through the use of "...video cameras, telephone taping devices, and computer monitoring systems." (Schmitz, 2004) This is not all, in addition, email and voice communication may be archived and searched as well as can keystrokes and it is even possible for employers to "track the amount of time employees spend away from their computers." "
Abstract Law enforcement uses a wide range of tactics to expose and apprehend those involved in organized crime. This paper examines how surveillance is widely used to detect terrorist and paramilitary plots, drug and human trafficking activities, identity and information theft, money laundering, among other activities. Specifically, the paper explores the history of surveillance as an investigative tool, current surveillance trends, and controversies related to privacy rights.
From the Paper "Detecting and monitoring criminal, political, and social patterns has a long history. Thousands of years ago, Ancient Egyptians kept massive records on its citizens' military involvement and immigration patterns. In the year 1086, the Normal administration began collecting data related to land holdings as a means of establishing military domains. Later, in 1831, the invention of the telegraph drew tremendous interest from law enforcement agencies that commenced a permanent dependent relationship between law enforcement surveillance capabilities and technological advancements. For instance, wiretapping surveillance followed soon after the invention of the telephone in 1876 (Hunter, 2007). Advances in electronics and computer technology have given law enforcement tremendous investigative tools however these developments have benefited organized crime at an even faster rate. Thus the vast challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in detecting criminal activities are overwhelming. "
Abstract This paper evaluates the historical development of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The paper highlights the limitations of the Act and suggests that without recent legislative changes--such as the Patriot Act (2001) and the Terrorist Surveillance Program of 2006--the Act was significantly deficient in providing useful intelligence for counterterrorism efforts.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
What is FISA?
Olmstead v. U.S. (1928)
Katz v. U.S. (1967)
U.S. v. U.S. (1972)
1994 Amendment
PATRIOT ACT
NSA Surveillance Program
Conclusion
From the Paper "There can be little doubt that FISA must be changed and modernized, in order to more effectively combat the threat of international terrorism and ensure the security of the nation. Dra-matic changes in communication technologies in the last thirty years have made many of the pre-conceptions FISA was based on utterly obsolete. Without adapting to the changes in technology, as well as changes in the sources of threats to national security, FISA might be reduced to little more than another anachronistic law. It is important, then, that FISA be critically examined and updated so that it can better respond to the threat of international terrorism and the means of communication that terrorists will inevitable utilize to further their goals."
