Ian Harm

A Surveillance Society

There is no doubt that we are now living in a surveillance society. No matter where we go there is the real chance that there will, at some time or another, be a CCTV video camera pointing in our direction.

Passive Overt Surveillance

This type of passive overt surveillance is evident in just about every town and city throughout the UK. Most people will agree that this type of surveillance can be a benefit to us in terms of public safety when used as part of strategy in tackling crime and disorder.

However, what about targeted or directed covert surveillance?

Targeted or directed covert surveillance is a method of gathering evidence or information in respect of a specific identified person to be used for a specific reason. This type of surveillance is used by a number of government organisations and law enforcement agencies.

You may be thinking, “Why should this type of surveillance concern me?”

Well unless you are a spy for a foreign covert intelligence agency, a terrorist or a criminal then the average person should have absolutely nothing to worry about…..hmmm really? Maybe it’s not so clear cut.

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