CCTV systems can be a valuable weapon in tackling crime in certain situations; but we need clearer controls in law so that the data they gather isn't misused to intrude on people's privacy or infringe their rights

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Introduction

The general purpose of the CCTV is to prevent and reduce crime. In theory, this happens because of one or more of these reasons:

. Deterrence: potential burglars and thieves may see the camera and decide that a store in question is too much of a risk and therefore not a good target.

2. Prosecution: thieves and shoplifters may be caught on camera and this can help catch and prosecute them.

3. Fear reduction: if everyone knows that there is a camera, they may feel safer in or around your business, thus preventing potential criminals from attacking.

4. Monitoring and intervention: if there is a security guard monitoring the area through CCTV system, he or she may act on any suspicious behavior and thus prevent a crime from occurring. Security guards may also deploy employees to a suspicious spot or near a person detected on the monitors.

Is CCTV effective in tackling crime?

A Home Office review of research found that CCTV was effective in tackling vehicle crime in car parks but had limited effect on other crimes and in other locations. Improved street lighting recorded better results in a parallel study.

CCTV systems can be a valuable weapon in tackling crime in certain situations; but we need clearer controls in law so that the data they gather isn't misused to intrude on people's privacy or infringe their rights. Despite its vast financial commitments to CCTV, this Government has consistently failed to address this issue. There remains no remotely adequate regulation of CCTV systems in law. The danger of misuse of cameras and the pictures they take has been illustrated already both by research and by court cases. By all means use CCTV cameras where there is a real crime problem that CCTV will help tackle; but we must have powerful, enforceable law to ensure they are only used for the right purposes.

We have to get the balance right on the use of CCTV and other surveillance equipment in public places - between protecting people's safety and protecting their privacy. The law should require clear impact assessments, so that CCTV is only used where it will work and will justify the intrusion.

If CCTV is less effective than people have been led to believe, perhaps we should actually be spending more of this money on fewer cameras and more on street lighting or police officers on the street.
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From the government's perspective, CCTV has been long since seen as a useful crime prevention tool with wide ranging uses (Home Office, 1994). Amongst the many uses attributed to CCTV, public order issues are significant. For example, one particular government study highlights how a CCTV scheme in Birmingham incorporates the specific aims of 'deterrence of public disorder, anti-social behaviour and crime' and the 'reduction of general levels of fear of crime within the town (sic) centre' (Brown, 1995: 31). CCTV is therefore considered as an important tool in tackling disorder, anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime, all ...

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