NCJ Number
209907
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 18 Issue: 2 Dated: 2005 Pages: 19-29
Date Published
2005
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Psychometrics are used to measure quantitatively the perceived social risk of a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system.
Abstract
The use of CCTV in public spaces to monitor activity in those spaces and detect unlawful behavior is common in many communities; however, policy analysts have raised concerns about social, civil, and privacy issues related to this practice. There has been limited quantitative research to determine whether the public generally shares these concerns. In an attempt to expand such research, the current study focused on public perceptions of the CCTV system located in a prime tourist precinct within the city of Rockingham, Western Australia. Psychometrics, which was used in this study to measure risk perception, uses psychophysical scaling and multivariate analysis techniques to produce quantitative representations or cognitive maps of risk attitudes and perceptions. The psychometrics method used in this study presents risk perception in a two-factor spatial representation, with the factor-one axis being "dread risk" and the factor-two axis being "familiarity with risk." These two risk-perception factors can be expanded into characteristics of risk, thus comprising the study's independent variables. The target population (n=2,106) consisted of community members who lived and/or worked within 0.5 km of the CCTV system nucleus and who were older than 16 at the time of the survey. A sample of 135 subjects was taken from the target population based on their home or work location. The analysis measured the risk perception, social acceptability, demographic factors, and changing social risk of the CCTV system. The analysis found that the CCTV system currently is viewed by the sample as a relatively safe and nonadversarial practice supported by the community; however, a risk potential remains, such that perceived misuse and abuse of the CCTV system beyond its benefits could change opinions. 4 figures and 42 notes