Legitimization of CCTV as a Policy Tool: Genesis and Stabilization of a Socio-Technical Device in Three French Cities

• NCJ Number: 239485
• Journal: British Journal of Criminology Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2012 Pages: 294-308
• Author(s): Severine Germain; Anne-Cecile Douillet; Lawrence Dumoulin
• Date Published: March 2012
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This article deals with the widespread use of open-street close-circuit television (CCTV) systems as a safety policy tool in French cities.

Abstract

This article deals with the widespread use of open-street close-circuit television (CCTV) systems as a safety policy tool in French cities. To investigate this diffusion, the authors suggest tackling CCTV as a socio-technical device able to enroll allies beyond the initial circle of technology promoters, including former opponents. Through an empirical analysis of three case studies, the authors show that a device can spread on a site provided that the actors in charge of the device appropriate it and discover new practical uses. As appropriation practices give CCTV supporters new arguments to justify its use, CCTV is therefore more legitimized by the possible combinations of different arguments and uses than by its strictly speaking effectiveness to fight against crime. (Published Abstract)