CCTV
To CCTV or not to CCTV? A review of current research into the effectiveness of CCTV systems in reducing crime
This document is published for archival/historical purposes. It will not be updated.
Title: To CCTV or not to CCTV? A review of current research into the effectiveness of CCTV systems in reducing crime
Author: NACRO
Number of Pages: 8
Date Published: May 2002
This report by NACRO, has been written to inform community safety practitioners about recent research into the effectiveness of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).
Funding opportunities for Crime and Disorder Partnerships (CDRPs) to introduce CCTV as a crime prevention measure have increased over the last decade and so too has the belief that CCTV is a 'cure all'.
Research has shown that the extent to which CCTV can act as an effective crime prevention deterrent, is very much dependent upon the context in which it is applied. This report warns against over-investment into very hi-tech CCTV systems at the expense of more effective measures such as better street lighting.
The report identifies the high profile cases of the abduction and murder of James Bulger and the arrest of Brixton nail bomber David Copeland, which has given CCTV an almost common sense appeal. The report argues that whilst CCTV schemes in car parks can be effective in reducing crime, cameras in town centres have little impact on serious or violent crime.
Evidence has also shown that, without the constant publicity of CCTV schemes, they can quickly lose their effectiveness. Indeed the biggest falls in crime linked to CCTV installations has been shown to occur before cameras are actually operational, coinciding with the period when publicity of the scheme is at its greatest.
Although there are few official figures that show the extent in which CCTV is used, the following estimates highlight its' growth:
1990: Three town centre schemes with approximately 100 cameras.
1994: 16 town centre schemes with approximately 400 cameras.
1997: 167 schemes with approximately 5,238 cameras.
Based upon funding provided over the last five years, it is estimated that by the end of 2002, there will be approximately 500 systems with 40,000 cameras.
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Last update: Wednesday, August 27, 2008