In which environment is surveillance is likely less effective?

Surveillance is generally less effective in a residential neighborhood during nighttime due to several factors. At night, visibility is reduced, making it harder for surveillance systems or individuals to capture clear images or observe ongoing activities. The darkness can create opportunities for individuals to conceal their actions and blend into the environment. Furthermore, residential areas often have fewer people around compared to more active areas like a busy office, crowded street, or even open wilderness, where natural light might still provide some visibility.

In contrast, environments like a crowded street or a busy office typically have more natural activity and foot traffic, making it easier for surveillance systems and observers to notice unusual behavior. Open wilderness, while isolated, may sometimes allow for wildlife or other natural alerts to capture unusual activities, but visibility can still present challenges depending on the conditions. Thus, the night-time residential neighborhood presents a unique set of conditions that diminish the effectiveness of surveillance measures.