NCJ Number
185896
Date Published
May 2000
Length
63 pages
Annotation
This document reviews the use of closed circuit television (CCTV) in public spaces in countries of the European Union.
Abstract
Great Britain, Ireland, France, Belgium, and Finland have CCTV in public space, usually as part of a more general crime prevention policy. Countries of the European Union agree that CCTV should prevent and reduce crime and fear of crime, and should help the police in detecting and prosecuting offenders. Installation of cameras in public spaces is usually authorized locally and funds raised locally, although Great Britain and Ireland have national programs and budgets for CCTV in public spaces. Monitoring of CCTV operations is usually carried out by civil staff rather than by police officers. Countries using CCTV consider operator training, and communication between operators and police crucial elements in the success of CCTV. Very few of the countries using CCTV have conducted evaluations of their programs, so it is difficult to judge the program's effect on crime levels. One of the negative effects of CCTV in public spaces is displacement, i.e., crime and criminals simply move to an area that does not have CCTV. The document recommends research on the consequences of CCTV on police management and police attitudes toward CCTV. Notes, references