NCJ Number
160337
Date Published
1995
Length
81 pages
Annotation
This assessment of the use of closed circuit television (CCTV) at three town-centre locations in England examined the effect of the schemes on crime and disorder.
Abstract
The research involved interviews with CCTV operators, police officers, and local officials, as well as an examination of police crime/incident data and CCTV incident data. The cameras are used to patrol town-centre areas and reveal incidents as they occur. The information provided by the cameras is used by the police to coordinate an appropriate response and obtain evidence that can be used to direct investigations and secure the swift conviction of offenders. In all the areas, there was evidence that the use of cameras has reduced property crime, especially burglary. The effect of cameras on personal crime was less clear. Researchers recommend that camera systems be integrated into police command-and-control strategies for use to assist in decisions about the deployment of officers. Further, a high degree of camera coverage is required to be most effective in addressing crime. Regarding acquisitive personal crimes, such as robbery and theft from the person within an area, care must be taken to ensure that these offenses will not be displaced to neighboring areas where CCTV coverage does not exist. CCTV and any successes in using it should be well publicized to help reduce fear of crime and deter offenders. 28 references, 31 figures, and 8 tables