surveillance Flashcards
CCTV
CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) cameras and systems are in widespread use in the UK today (Webster, 2009). According to the media report, between 2007 and 2011, councils in the UK have spent around £0.5 billion on CCTV. Research by Big Brother Watch estimated that there were around 51,600 cameras owned by councils, and between 2007 and 2011 around £14 million was spent by councils in Birmingham on CCTV. A spokesman from Big Brother Watch, an organisation campaigning against CCTV use, said that UK has 1% of the world’s population yet 20% of the world’s CCTV cameras. The report raises several issues about the use of CCTV
characteristics
basic static camera, automatic zoom, night vision, facial recognition, tracking devices
development of cctv
Innovation and experimentation (early to mid 1990’s): recognition of potential policy initiative. Acceptance and expansion (mid 1990’s to early 2000’s): policy unquestioned and use of cameras accepted, home office funding and guidance. Retrenchment (mid 2000’s onwards): desire to centralise disparate systems and practices
cctv focuses
the proliferation of cameras, the cost of maintenance and operation, whether they are successful or a waste of resources
how effective is cctv
CCTV cameras result in a modest but significant reduction in crime. CCTV cameras appear to be most effective in reducing crime in car parks and residential areas, but less so in other urban spaces.
concerns
Technologically assisted surveillance has accelerated in recent years.
Such technology is no longer restricted to use for specialist activities.
equity and justice
So whilst CCTV cameras may have benefits in relation to the detection of crime, there are issues in relation to privacy, civil rights, and the fact that some social problems are represented as criminal and deviant (Coleman, 2003). In other words, the use of CCTV is caught up with notions of equity and justice.
