What role do video surveillance systems play in airport security?

Video surveillance systems play a crucial role in airport security by monitoring and recording activities in real-time. This capability allows security personnel to respond swiftly to incidents as they occur, significantly enhancing the overall security posture of the airport. The real-time data captured by these systems aids in the identification of potential threats, enabling preventive measures to be implemented before an incident escalates. Additionally, the recorded footage provides valuable evidence for investigations and legal proceedings following an incident, thereby contributing to both immediate and long-term security efforts.

In the context of other options, the statement that video surveillance systems only capture evidence after incidents overlooks their proactive capabilities in monitoring activities as they happen. The idea that they are primarily for public display misrepresents their function, as their main purpose is for security and safety rather than simply being visible to the public. Finally, stating that these systems are not routinely used in high-security areas is inaccurate; in fact, high-security areas typically have increased surveillance measures in place to ensure the highest levels of safety and security.