Smart cities are being developed worldwide with the use of technology to improve the quality of life of citizens and enhance their safety. Video surveillance is a key component of smart city infrastructure, as it involves the installation of cameras at strategic locations throughout the city for monitoring public spaces and providing real-time surveillance footage to law enforcement and other city representatives. Video surveillance systems have evolved rapidly in recent years, and are now integrated with advanced technologies like deep learning, blockchain, edge computing, and cloud computing. This study provides a comprehensive overview of video surveillance systems in smart cities, as well as the functions and challenges of those systems. The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of video surveillance systems in smart cities and to provide insights into how they could be used to enhance safety, security, and the overall quality of life for citizens.