The appearance of surveillance cameras in public areas in the UK (streets, parks, car parks, shopping malls etc) is obvious to everyone using these kinds of spaces. They are used to watch people’s activities and behaviour and, if necessary react towards crime or anti-social behaviour.
The UK is by far the most advanced country in Europe in regards to public surveillance research and installation. In the last decade the coverage has grown dramatically. In 1990 there were three town centre schemes with approximately 100 cameras and in 2002 there were approximately 500 schemes with around 40,000 cameras.
The impression can be made that it is used as a general tool to prevent crime and promote a safer and cleaner community. But is it as effective as it promises to be and to what extent does it effect people’s perception and activity in neighbourhoods and cities? To what extent does CCTV influences the urban designer work? What needs to be considered when implementing CCTV in existing and new developments?
This paper will help to understand the complexity of this question and issues related with its context.
One approach to the topic lays in the question: Why do people feel scared and insecure in public areas? The ‘fear of crime’ has become an important issue to consider within urban design and town planning. Being afraid of being a victim of crime can be positive if it leads to increased crime prevention, but it can also affect people's quality of life in a negative way. This fear gets projected on the appearance of places and their users which lead towards banning beggars and on-street traders. In the argument about public surveillance, it is often mentioned that constant camera monitoring is reducing this ‘fear of crime’.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- CCTV in the UK
- What is CCTV?
- The theory behind CCTV
- Effects of CCTV
- Effects on types of crime
- Other effects
- Data Protection Act 1998 & Human Rights Act 1998
- CCTV project in Kingston upon Hull
- CCTV and Urban Design
- Discussion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the effectiveness of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in crime prevention and its impact on urban environments. It aims to explore the extent to which CCTV reduces crime and how it affects the lives of people living in cities. The paper also considers the role of CCTV in urban design and the considerations necessary when implementing CCTV in existing and new developments.- The effectiveness of CCTV in crime prevention
- The impact of CCTV on urban environments
- The role of CCTV in urban design
- The legal and ethical implications of CCTV surveillance
- The relationship between CCTV and fear of crime
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of CCTV in public spaces and its increasing prevalence in the UK. It highlights the potential benefits and drawbacks of CCTV and raises questions about its effectiveness and impact on urban life.
- CCTV in the UK: This chapter explores the history and development of CCTV in the UK, outlining its various applications and theoretical underpinnings. It discusses the different types of CCTV systems and their use in crime prevention, security, and surveillance.
- Effects of CCTV: This chapter examines the various effects of CCTV on crime rates, public perception, and behavior. It explores the ways in which CCTV can deter crime, improve safety, and impact the lives of individuals and communities.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on CCTV, crime prevention, urban design, surveillance, security, fear of crime, public space, data protection, human rights, and the UK. These concepts are explored through the lens of the growing use of CCTV in public areas and its impact on urban life.- Quote paper
- Susanne Grolle (Author), 2008, CCTV to prevent crime?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/129105
