Closed – Circuit Television (Cctv): an Effective Way to Deter Crime

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Closed – Circuit Television (CCTV): An Effective Way to Deter Crime Abstract As there is no scientific evidence that validates the effectiveness of CCTV in deterring crimes, this paper focuses on conducting an evaluation of the role of CCTV in reducing crime in town centers in United Kingdom. To understand better the effectiveness of CCTV, this paper also examines the theory behind the use of CCTV. The analysis of existing situation reveals that planning and design for CCTV use should be considered to optimize efficiency. Moreover, to ensure effectiveness, following the identification and successful capture of dangerous criminals through CCTV, publicity should be made to inform the public about the criminals. CCTV, however, is not without limitations. The analysis actually reveals that it has fallen short in terms of practical application, provision of security and alleviation of fears among citizens. Nevertheless, while the effectiveness of CCTV in reducing crime in town centers may be deemed a failure, CCTV surveillance remains as a more effective tool in crime reduction under particular circumstances than in others. Closed – Circuit Television (CCTV): An Effective Way to Deter Crime The use of closed – circuit television (CCTV) surveillance systems to curtail burgeoning crime rates in the United Kingdom has resulted in the rapid proliferation of such systems in almost all town centers in the country, making it practically ubiquitous. This system was first established in Bournemouth town centre in 1985 and according to Armstrong and Norris (1999, cited in Davies &Thasen, 2000), following that 300,000 cameras where installed annually. Consequently, “…the citizenry of the UK have become the most watched, catalogued and categorized people in the advanced world” (Coleman, 2004, p. 3). The rapid proliferation of CCTV is largely on account of the

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