Cctv
Closed Circuit Television Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) are now widely seen as crucial tools in preventing crime and ensuring security (Gill and Spriggs, 2005:1). The cameras record images that are sent to a “monitor- recording device” for watching, reviewing and storage (ibid). CCTV is a “situational” technique which allows people to be remotely observed, thereby making it possible for law enforcement agents to effectively attend to distress calls (ibid). The use of CCTV as a situational crime prevention technique has increased over the years, with the number of cameras in the UK increasing from 100 in 1990 to 5,234 in 1994 (Armitage, 2002). According to Norris et al (2002:110), the number of CCTV cameras currently in use in the UK is estimated at 4.2m reflecting about 1 for every 14 of the population. Also, to reflect the growth experienced in the use of CCTV’s in the UK is the increase in the amount of money being spent which increased from £100m in 1990 to £381m in 1998 and an estimation of £1.1billion by 2008 (ibid). According to Ditton 2000:692, the increase in the number of CCTV’s currently in use may be attributed to the perceived idea that CCTV helps in reducing the “fear of crime” and “crime” itself. The closed circuit television system serves many functions and is used in both public and private settings although, it might also been seen as increasing recorded crime or displacing crime. However the increase in crime may be due to the effectiveness of the CCTV in detecting crimes that could otherwise have gone unnoticed. Also, the displacement of crime to areas without CCTV’s reveals it actually reduces crime and more CCTV’s are needed. This essay will argue that although the use of CCTV in public places could potentially jeopardize privacy, it has been highly effective in providing security by reducing the rate and fear of crime. Firstly, the aims of the CCTV will be discussed, followed by an analysis on the impact of CCTV on security. Also,
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