CCTV as a crime prevention strategy: a review of the literature

Abstract

CCTV is undoubtedly one of the most renowned weapons in the fight against crime. Funded by Allianz Ireland, Cork Chamber of Commerce and the Faculty of Law, University College, Cork, this research sought to examine the emergence of CCTV as a crime prevention strategy and the effectiveness it displays in this role. To do this, a literature review was undertaken to uncover the theoretical rationale underpinning the use of CCTV and explore the rise of surveillance as mechanism of social control. Numerous evaluations and studies, particularly from Britain, but also Ireland, were reviewed to investigate the impact of CCTV on crime, to assess the nature and value of those evaluations and consequently, to formulate a number of recommendations. It is hoped that this work will prove useful to those contemplating the future deployment of CCTV as a crime prevention strategy.

CCJHR Research Projects, Centre for Criminal Justice & Human Rights (CCJHR), School of Law, University College Cork