Questions answered in this file

Can old VHS surveillance video be enhanced to show a face?

Enhancement can improve clarity, but it cannot create a recognisable face from a few pixels of low-resolution footage.

Are AI-upscaled images reliable for identification?

No. AI upscaling predicts plausible detail rather than recovering real detail, so results should not be used to identify people.

Can video show a person's height?

Photogrammetry can estimate height by comparison with known objects, usually as a range affected by camera position and posture.

Is surveillance timing always accurate?

No. Camera clocks may be wrong and recordings can have gaps, so timing should be checked against known events.

How should old surveillance tapes be preserved?

Store them away from heat, moisture and magnets, limit playback and have them professionally digitised at full quality.