Note
"Research and Evaluation Branch,
Community, Contract and Aboriginal Policing Services Directorate."
"2003."
Author affiliated with: University of Ottawa.
Issued also in French under title: TVCF : analyse de la documentation et bibliographie.
Summary
The review shows that the effects of CCTV on crime are both quite variable and fairly
unpredictable. Deterrence effects of CCTV are not constant over time and they vary across crime
categories. For example, CCTV systems appear to have the least effect upon public disorder
offences. The magnitude of deterrence effects appears to depend on location: the greatest effect
appears to occur in car parks. Furthermore, the cameras do not need to be operational for
deterrence effects to be observed. The deterrence effects of CCTV are highest when it is used in
conjunction with other crime reduction measures and when tailored to the local setting. Finally,
while deterrence effects have been shown before the cameras are operational, continuing
publicity is required to maintain the effects.
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