Is CCTV Effective in Preventing Crime in Public Places?

authors Brandon C. Welsh
  David P. Farrington
journal Cahiers Politiestudies (ISSN: 1784-5300)
volume Jaargang 2010
issue 17. Evidence based policing
section Artikelen
date of publication Dec. 16, 2010
language English
pagina 263
abstract

Many Western countries are experiencing a substantial increase in the use of closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance cameras to prevent crime in public places. Amidst this expansion and the associated public expenditure, as well as concerns about their effectiveness and social costs, there is an increasing need for an evidence based approach to inform CCTV policy and practice. This article reports on an updated Campbell Collaboration systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of CCTV on crime in public places. The results suggest that CCTV caused a modest but significant decrease in crime. This overall result was largely driven by the effectiveness of CCTV schemes in car parks, which were targeted at vehicle crimes and included other interventions such as lighting, fencing, and security guards. Nonsignificant effects on crime were observed in the other public settings in which CCTV schemes were evaluated: city and town centers, public housing communities, and public transportation facilities. Policy implications are explored.