What is the primary purpose of CCTV in physical security?

• A. To deter, detect, and record incidents for verification and investigations.
• B. To physically secure doors.
• C. To provide lighting.
• D. To block all access to premises.

Answer: (A)

CCTV is a surveillance tool that serves to deter, detect, and document incidents. The visible presence of cameras can discourage potential wrongdoers from acting, since they know their actions may be recorded. If something does occur, operators or automated monitoring can detect suspicious activity in real time, enabling a quick response. After an incident, the recorded footage provides verifiable evidence of what happened, when it happened, and who was involved, which supports investigations, corroborates statements, and aids legal or insurance processes.

Cameras don’t physically secure doors or blocks to entry—those functions come from locks, doors, and access-control systems. They also don’t provide lighting; lighting is a separate safety measure to illuminate areas. The primary value of CCTV is observation, recording, and the evidence those recordings can produce.