CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and its Role in Security



Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and its Role in Security

Introduction

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras are one of the most high-profile and indeed controversial security measures available to help prevent victimization. Locating cameras in areas that then transmit images to a central base enables operators to keep watch over different places at the same time. The logic is that offenders, knowing they are being watched, will refrain from committing an offense. Meanwhile, law enforcement, including private security, is able to assess situations to decide if, when, and how to intervene, and the images can also help with postincident investigation. The problem is that although CCTV appears to be a practical security measure, the evidence on its effectiveness in reducing victimization is mixed. This entry examines some of the research findings and explains key factors that determine what makes CCTV effective. (Ditton, 2000)

Overview

CCTV has been responsible for catching some high-profile offenders (and some less high-profile ones, too). Some are caught on camera as they commit the offense, and the image of them doing so is used to identify them and to help support the prosecution case. Sometimes the cameras capture evidence left by an offender at the scene, such as a fingerprint, that can be followed up and subsequently provide evidence against a suspect. Sometimes the cameras pick up a license plate, placing that vehicle in the area at the time of the offense, and this can help to connect suspects to scenes. Similarly, images can be used to eliminate people from suspicion by showing that they were elsewhere or did not fit the characteristics of the person that the police know committed the crime. (Gill, 2006)

From this very simple synopsis it is not difficult to see why CCTV appeals to law enforcement. It can be a very useful tool in the fight against crime. It has other uses, too. For example, retailers can check whether customers who say they were injured when they slipped in a store really did slip; it helps protect them against malicious liability claims. This can help business owners to obtain lower insurance premiums. Beyond these,CCTV has other potential uses, sometimes controversial ones, such as monitoring the behavior of employees to ensure they comply with company policies and expected levels of conduct. Indeed, the whole issue of CCTV presenting a challenge to individuals' right to privacy is a major one. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, this has been comparatively circumspect, but in many others it has been a major reason for the restricted use of CCTV in public space. Important though this issue is, and it really is a major factor, the focus in this entry is on the role of CCTVin preventing victimization, or at least in attempting to do so. (Gill, 2006)

It is important when discussing CCTV to clarify what is being discussed. Often researchers do not do this, implying that CCTV systems are similar, but they are not. They vary greatly in terms of coverage, density of cameras, and type and quality of transmission and recording methods; therefore, they vary ...