December 31, 2021 - Way back in my younger years my favorite television program was “Candid Camera”. Allen Funt played elaborate jokes on unsuspecting innocents while secretly filming them. I thought most of the program was hilarious. Little did I know then that in today's society I would be filmed everywhere I go.
When did this filming all get started? An early mechanical system was developed in June of 1927 by Russian physicist Leon Theremin which was requested by the Soviet of Labor and Defense. The system consisted of a manually-operated scanning-transmitting camera and wireless shortwave transmitter and receiver. The system was subsequently installed in the courtyard of the Moscow Kremlin to monitor approaching visitors.
Another early System was installed by Siemens AG at Test Stand VII in Peenemunde, Germany in 1942, for observing the launch of V-2 rockets. These early video surveillance systems involved constant monitoring because there was no way to record and store information. As they say, “You've come a long way, Baby.”
Today, whether you like it or not, we are all filmed everywhere we go, not so much in small towns. However, in large cities there are cameras everywhere. They are installed in service stations, convenience stores, huge box stores, and shopping malls. As soon as you drive into a parking lot you are in the eye of a camera. Is this a good thing, or are we all being spied upon?
We recall the wide-spread use of red light cameras in many larger cities years ago. It was thought that these cameras would record cars that ran a red light, or made an illegal turn. However, they did not last very long as they encountered many constitutional problems. The courts agreed that the camera lights were unconstitutional because an individual was unable to face his accuser in court. It is hard to argue with an inanimate object such as a camera.
Today these cameras help the police to solve many crimes. If a crime is committed in a store or the parking lot, changes are good that it was caught on camera. They cops can watch the recording and possibly identify the actors involved.
These cameras do have a “down side” to them. Several years ago I received in the mail a letter from a toll road system in Austin, Texas stating that my Chevrolet had been photographed violating some law while on this toll road. They demanded I remit $3.50 within ten days, or I would be subject to further fines. They listed a license plate number. Confused, I checked my license plate, and they matched. The problem was that I had not been to Austin in thirty years. So, how did this happen? So, I wrote a letter stating that on the day and time of the event, my car was asleep in its garage in San Augustine, Texas, and could not have been in Austin, Texas. But, after I had mailed the letter to them, I decided not to try and fight “city hall” over that small amount. So, I wrote out a check and mailed it to them. I never heard from them again. Obviously, the infallible camera had misread the license plate of the real villainous car.
Today, should you be pulled over for a traffic violation, the officer will turn on his body camera. Your entire encounter will be filmed whether you like it or not. The fact that every word and action of both of you is recorded tends to make both parties be on their best behavior. I think this is a good thing.
Many homeowners are now installing cameras on their homes, both inside and out. There are door bells that contain cameras to photograph the person at the door. Just how far are we homeowners willing to go in order to protect our persons and property?
In view of all these cameras it would appear that we all should wear our best clothes, be on our best behavior, and smile everywhere we go so we will look our very best at all times. We know that we are being filmed and someone may be looking for us. Who knows, there could be a movie producer searching for that one special person to star in a movie, and YOU could be it..!
