NCJ Number
205631
Journal
Crime Prevention and Community Safety: An International Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: 2004 Pages: 21-33
Editor(s)
Rob Mawby
Date Published
2004
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article reports the findings of a systematic review of the highest-quality available research evidence on the effects of CCTV on crime in public space.
Abstract
In recent years, there has been tremendous growth in the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) in the prevention of crime in Britain. In Britain, CCTV has been and continues to be the single most heavily funded non-criminal justice prevention measure. CCTV is often claimed to be an effective measure in preventing crime. However, questions have been raised regarding the effectiveness of CCTV. This article presents the findings of a systematic review utilizing meta-analytic techniques of the highest quality available research evidence on the effects of CCTV on crime in public space. In utilizing four search strategies to identify CCTV evaluations, 49 such evaluations were identified. The findings indicate that CCTV had a significant effect on crime, was most effective in reducing crime in car parks, was effective when combined with improved lighting and targeted at vehicle crimes, and was much more effective in reducing crime in the United Kingdom than in North America. The overall reduction in crime was 21 percent in experimental areas compared to comparable control areas. References