CCTV - Where Did It All Begin? - Get Licensed Blog

Home > CCTV > CCTV – Where Did It All Begin?

Table of Content

Share

Published:

February 8, 2016

|

Updated:

May 16, 2025

|

2 Min Read

CCTV – Where Did It All Begin?

By

Carl Randle

Table of Content

Share

Take a second to look around you, can you see a camera?

If not, look a little harder. Are you sitting on public transport while you are reading this? Check again, we bet you there is a CCTV camera monitoring you.

Still not spotted one yet? If you’re reading this on your mobile, there’s a strong chance a camera is inbuilt into your phone. On the other hand, if you’re reading this on your laptop, there’s more than likely a webcam pointing right at you.

We use cameras in our everyday lives, but are we aware that we are monitored every day? CCTV is now something we take for granted, however, most premises are fitted with them, streets are laden with them and a lot of private homes are now installing them. The average Briton is caught on camera 70 times a day, police figures have shown, but where did it all begin? How did the humble camera invented by Alexander Wolcott in 1840 turn into a crime-busting machine?

The History of CCTV in the Western World

1942 – In 1942, WWII was in full force and technology was developing rapidly. The first CCTV camera known to us was developed by Siemens AG in Germany. It was built to observe the launch of rockets in the war. Let’s give a huge *high-five* to Walter Bruch who installed and designed the breakthrough system.

1949 – A US company introduced the first commercial CCTV television system. That year, a government contractor named Vericon started promoting the system. Little is known about the technology used in this product, however, the video couldn’t be recorded, they could on be used as live monitoring systems.

1968 -The invention of the well-known VCR advanced CCTV technology dramatically. Olean, New York was the first city in the World to install CCTV cameras along its main street.

1973 – The NYPD in New York set up cameras to monitor and deter crime in Times Square, however, the rates did not drop as expected.

1980’s – Despite the cameras having little effect on crime reduction, video surveillance began to spread across the US.

1985 – After many unsuccessful trials in the 1970s, the UK took a leap of faith and installed the first outdoor CCTV system in the beautiful seaside town, Bournemouth.

1987 – In King’s Lynn, Norfolk, the council set up the first local government surveillance system. The installation of the cameras was proven successful in deterring crime. This resulted in a dramatic increase in CCTV cameras being installed in public places.

1998 – Over 3,000 CCTV were now in use in New York and private businesses and government organisations were investing heavily in the technology.

2001 – Following the 9/11 attacks in New York, CCTV was seen as a key tool for fighting terrorism and the use of surveillance cameras rocketed around the world.

2013 – The British Security Industry Authority (BSIA) estimated that Britain has a CCTV camera for every 11 people. That’s a whopping 5.9 million active cameras in the country.

How to work in the security sector

If you are interested in working in the security sector, whether it be as a Door Supervisor, Security Guard or CCTV Operative, you will need to obtain an SIA Licence.

To obtain an SIA Licence, you will need to complete a course. Once you have completed the course, will you then be able to apply for an SIA Licence and work in the security sector.

Looking for jobs?

To find the latest security jobs, check out our Jobs Board, which has 1,000+ jobs from the UK’s best security companies.

If you’re on the hunt for a security job on the go, download the GuardPass app for all the latest jobs and more. The GuardPass App is available for download on the Apple App Store or on the Google Play Store.

SummaryArticle NameCCTV – Where Did It All Begin?DescriptionThe average Briton is caught on CCTV 70 times a day, police figures have shown, but where did it all begin?Get Licensed Melody Hucknall

This blog is for informational purposes only. Please verify details independently before making decisions. Get Licensed is not liable for any actions based on this content.

By Carl Randle

Head Of Content

Carl creates video and written content on security training, licensing, and industry best practices. He specialises in simplifying complex SIA requirements for learners and employers alike. Carl’s content ensures security professionals can confidently meet standards and excel in their roles.

2 responses to “CCTV – Where Did It All Begin?”

1. CCTV in the UK and Ireland; Technology and Surveillance – Techie News (UK and Ireland) | techienews.co.uk September 18, 2022 Reply

   […] first public CCTV was installed at the Victoria Embankment in London in 1981, with over 1,000 cameras installed by […]

2. Paisley Dela Cruz October 20, 2022 Reply

   Thanks for posting. It is great to find new sources of information for CCTV keep it up.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name *

Email *

Comment *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Find SIA Training Courses Near You

Enrol in an SIA-accredited course today to stay compliant and obtain your SIA licence.

Book a course

Relevant Topics

How to Get Free SIA Close Protection Training in 2026

Get Training | January 14, 2026

How to Get Free SIA Security Guard Training in 2026

Get Training | January 12, 2026

How to Get Free SIA CCTV Training in 2026

Get Training | November 14, 2025

Never Miss an Article!

Stay ahead in security-exclusive content, straight to your inbox

Subscribe Now

Trending Blogs

< >

What You’ll Learn in a CCTV Security Course: Skills and Career Opportunities

Get Training

January 28, 2025

Frontline Vs. Non-Frontline Security Roles: Which Path is Right for You?

Get Working

January 21, 2025

Can Security Guards Touch Your Bags in the UK?

Security

February 3, 2025

Green CSCS Card Test Tips:Pass your Exam

CsCs card

April 13, 2023

A Positive Step Forward: The SIA’s New Refresher Training Initiative

news

August 16, 2024

× × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × ×