NCJ Number
196301
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Dated: 2002 Pages: 59-75
Date Published
2002
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article examined the behavior of people when closed circuit television (CCTV) operated in public space.
Abstract
Advocates of CCTV claim that it deters criminal activity because people believe that their behavior is being monitored. It is expected that, for some people, the presence of CCTV is enough to deter criminal or otherwise anti-social activity. How behavioral patterns change over time was examined, as well as the short-term influence of CCTV on behavior in public space. CCTV cameras are typically installed in hotspots. They aim to modify social behavior in such locations and seek to reduce opportunities for criminal activity. The goal of CCTV deployment is to interrupt recurring crime patterns and to prevent crime. Three sites were chosen in Cincinnati to assess people’s behavior, both pro- and anti-social. Results showed that patterns of behavior in the public places studied followed a daily rather than a weekly or monthly rhythm. The behavior and traffic patterns (both vehicular and pedestrian traffic) were reasonably predictable from one day to the next. The initial deterrent impact of installing cameras appeared to show the most promise, particularly in a high-activity area. People seemed to adjust their behaviors in the short run in response to their installation. It is suggested that greater levels of deterrence could be gained through advertising the presence of CCTV cameras. Surveillance cameras create somewhat of an initial deterrent effect in the month, perhaps 2 months, following implementation, particularly in high-activity areas. Erecting signs to notify people about the cameras could possibly increase the level of deterrence of CCTV. Shifting CCTV cameras around on a frequent basis could solve two problems. First, it would increase the number of hotspots under surveillance and remove some of the inequities observed in CCTV deployment. Second, short and periodic deployment of CCTV cameras would capitalize upon some of the initial deterrent effects observed in this data. 4 tables, 29 notes