There are two major drivers in city surveillance:
Assuring the best possible protection, while allowing maximum personal freedom in private and public buildings, shopping areas, public transportation and to secure a sound infrastructure
Enabling an efficient, secure flow of people, goods, vehicles, capital and information to be most attractive for private investors, international and regional organizations, residents, tourists and more.
Based on the Megacities Report following are the key concerns in today's cities:
Safety and security comes second only to transportation infrastructure as a factor contributing to the competitiveness of a city (City-rankings)
Organized crime is the biggest problem, followed by terrorism
Cities are attempting to shift to a more proactive approach to security
Public surveillance is deemed more important than protecting privacy
Although open communities are favoured as the right way ahead, gated communities are also being emphasized by many - especially in cities of emerging countries