NCJ Number
202103
Journal
Crime Prevention and Community Safety: An International Journal Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: 2003 Pages: 49-59
Date Published
2003
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article reports on an evaluation of the pilot CCTV (closed circuit television) system installed outside the Central Railway Station in Oslo, Norway.
Abstract
Given the reluctance of politicians in Norway to accept CCTV schemes operated by the police, due primarily to the threat of privacy invasion, the Oslo CCTV system was viewed as a pilot project that had to prove its effectiveness through an objective evaluation before such systems could be used on a wide scale in the country. The area selected for surveillance was outside the Central Railway Station in the heart of Oslo. It is a typical city-center district with shops, hotels, restaurants, and pubs. It includes a large outdoor public square in the vicinity of a transport junction, with bus and tram stops, taxi ranks, parking places, a subway station, and the main railway station. Six cameras were installed, and the operation room was located in a room at the Central Station. There are direct links to Oslo police command center, which means that it is possible to follow events on TV monitors at dispatch central in headquarters. The system provides for a more or less constant supervision of the area. The evaluation of the system focused on its effects on public order, criminality, and feelings of safety by the public. To study the overall preventive effects of the system, studies of incidents and crimes recorded by the police were used. A victim survey was also conducted. Findings show that more incidents were detected in the area of the system; this was a result of the system and also more officers patrolling the area. There were indications of reductions in two types of crimes: robbery/theft from persons and bicycle thefts. Surveys of local businesses showed small and insignificant changes in the perception of crime and public order; however, more indicated they perceived a change for the better in terms of public order. Most respondents had positive attitudes toward the CCTV system, but confidence in its effectiveness diminished over time. Thus, the evaluation could not document any direct, strong effects of the CCTV on criminality, public order, or feelings of safety. It remains to be determined whether the program will be terminated, continue as before, or be expanded. 5 figures and 20 notes