Video Cameras Brings More Benefits than Drawbacks

Frankly speaking, video surveillance has recently become a commonly found phenomenon in many cities. Some people may consider this as an invasion of privacy; however, I believe that the benefits do outweigh the drawbacks.
In general, there are basically two reasons leading to people‟s disapproval of the use of video cameras in public places. Foremost, as far as they are concerned, these cameras invade their privacy, in the sense that they are constantly being watched by the authorities or by private security firms. Many people find this unacceptable in that the recording of their behavior is a form of control that curtails their individual freedom. In modern times, privacy and freedom are what people value the most. Secondly, pieces of news have demonstrated that lawbreakers are becoming increasingly “intelligent”. As a consequence, data of video cameras are somewhat easily available to criminals who might take advantage of what they have robbed to do illegal businesses. If this is indeed happening, then it is unlikely that members of the public will feel safe.
In spite of the drawbacks mentioned above, I believe that the use of video cameras to monitor public areas is a positive measure and it offers a couple of benefits to us. On the whole, video surveillance is more efficient and effective than manpower to deter criminals and to prevent crime. For example, petty criminals like shoplifters and pickpockets are more likely to be found and caught. In addition, traffic cameras are good at supervising people who commit hit-and-run accidents. At present, many drivers are prone to escape the moment they knock down the pedestrians. With the help of “electronic police”, a great number of such accidents might be justified or even avoided. However, the behaviors mentioned above are unlikely to be handled by manpower. Therefore, in my opinion, video cameras offer valuable support to police officers, and they make cities safer for us.
To conclude, everything has two sides. Videos cameras inevitably exhibit some shortcomings such as violation of privacy and freedom. Nevertheless, it is video surveillance that makes our life much more reassuring and orderly. It seems to me that what we gain outweighs what we lose from the enhanced security that video cameras bring to us.

本文阐述了视频监控给我们生活带来的影响。 第一段引出话题， 表明作者态度， 即视频监控利大于弊。 第二段从两个角度说明为人们会反对视频监控的原因，即侵犯隐私、 限制自由以及视频资料被不法分子利用。 第三段用扒窃和肇事逃逸等两个具体事例证明视频监控的好处。 最后一段则重申观点， 即视频监控瑕不掩瑜。文章条理清晰， 观点鲜明， 所举事例很具有代表性和说服力。