Use of CCTV/Video Cameras in Law Enforcement, Executive Brief

• NCJ Number: 193283
• Author(s): Laura J. Nichols
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 15 pages
• Corporate Author: International Assoc of Chiefs of Police
• Sale Source: International Assoc of Chiefs of Police
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) surveyed law enforcement across the Nation to determine the application of CCTV/video cameras and evaluate its impact. This executive brief shows the uses and interests of over 200 responding law enforcement agencies using CCTV.

Abstract

The applications of video technology in law enforcement have increased substantially during the past 10 years. The videotape camera and other improvements have resulted in a number of new applications of closed circuit television (CCTV) being used by law enforcement. Eighty percent of agencies that responded to the survey used CCTV and the remaining 20 percent anticipate using it in the future. Those who responded said they found CCTV useful in three areas: 63 percent said it was useful for investigative assistance, 54 percent found it useful for gathering evidence, and 20 percent found it useful in crime reduction. The impact of CCTV on crime was difficult to determine because 96 percent of the agencies did not have a way to measure its ability to reduce crime. Of the eight agencies using formal measurement systems, three said CCTV had a great effect on crime. The most pertinent question concerning the use of CCTV was the debate concerning the individual's privacy rights. While many jurisdictions allow CCTV, others prohibit it. According to James Falk Sr., chairman of the U.S. Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice Liability Panel, cameras in public places are legal; there is no expectation of privacy in public places. In general, 95 percent of the survey respondents said they use CCTV in areas where the expectations of privacy does not exist. The survey also included survey results on the camera types used, where tapes are stored and who has responsibility for maintaining, collecting, and disposing of CCTV tapes. There are also responses to questions and additional information concerning guidelines for CCTV use, CCTV and legal concerns, and the future of CCTV in law enforcement.