The true cost of video surveillance technology is considerably more than the initial procurement costs. Operating, maintaining and replacing a system adds significantly to the total life cycle cost, and ultimately determines whether an investment is a sound one or not. System performance and reliability, which are generally reflected in the initial cost, directly impact life cycle costs. This paper will help decision-makers evaluate on-board CCTV systems objectively, and make recommendations to public authorities supported by cost-benefit comparisons of different products over the duration of their planned use.