Women’s Safety: Don’t Just Ask if They Have CCTV, Ask Where It Points
Key Takeaways
Every PG advertises "24/7 CCTV." But to ensure actual safety, you must verify that the cameras cover the exterior gates, all residential hallways, and that the warden actually has a live monitor to view the feeds.
The "24/7 CCTV" Illusion
If you look at listings for a Women-Safe PG in Hyderabad, every single one boasts "24/7 CCTV Security."
This is often a dangerous illusion. Many budget PGs install one cheap, disconnected camera in the lobby just so they can put it on their marketing brochure. A camera that points at a blank wall or only records 12 hours of footage offers zero protection.
Here is how you must audit the CCTV system before you sign the agreement.
1. The Coverage Audit
During your physical tour of a PG in Koramangala, look up at the ceiling.
- The Gates: Is there a camera pointing directly at the main entrance to capture faces and license plates?
- The Hallways: This is crucial. If there is a dispute with a roommate or a staff member, it will likely happen in the residential hallways. Are there cameras covering the corridor leading to your room?
- The Blind Spots: Are the stairwells covered? Intruders often bypass elevators to avoid cameras. Stairwells must be monitored.
2. The Privacy Boundary
Security should never compromise privacy.
- Cameras must never be located inside your private room, inside bathrooms, or positioned in a way that points directly through your open bedroom door.
- If you spot a camera in a questionable location, walk away immediately. It is a severe legal violation.
3. The Functional Test
A camera is useless if no one is watching it or if it isn't recording.
- Ask the warden, "Where is the monitor?" In a professional co-living space, the warden or security desk will have a live monitor displaying all feeds.
- Ask, "How many days of backup do you have?" If you report a theft or an incident three days after it happens, you need to know the footage hasn't already been overwritten. A 30-day backup is the industry standard for premium PGs in areas like Velachery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to have CCTV inside the PG rooms?
Absolutely not. CCTV cameras should strictly be limited to common areas: gates, lobbies, hallways, and dining areas. Cameras inside rooms or bathrooms are illegal privacy violations.
How long should a PG keep CCTV footage?
A standard security protocol dictates keeping footage for at least 30 days. If an incident happens over the weekend and the footage deletes after 24 hours, the system is useless.