NCJ Number
211340
Date Published
September 2005
Length
32 pages
Annotation
Drawing on the views of approximately 250 police officers in 33 police forces in Great Britain, this report presents findings from a 2003 exploratory study of their views of the use of closed circuit television (CCTV) in public spaces and how police would use it.
Abstract
Most police viewed CCTV as a cost-effective tool that can facilitate the speed of investigations and encourage offenders captured on CCTV to plead guilty, thus saving police and court time. Police also noted that CCTV increased the detection of some crimes that might otherwise have gone unnoticed by police; detecting such crimes, however, was noted to increase work in retrieving and searching CCTV tapes. Good communication between police and CCTV operators apparently is the key to the effective police use of CCTV. Respondents reported that the use of CCTV was a daily part of their policing duties, particularly those who patrolled areas where CCTV was installed. Police uses of CCTV included the identification of offenders and witnesses, proving or disproving alibis and versions of events, and providing evidence for trials. Officers had mixed views about whether or not CCTV deters potential offenders, particularly when they are under the influence of alcohol. Suggestions for improvements in the CCTV system and its use pertain to processes, systems, or equipment. Suggestions are offered for further research. 2 tables, 3 figures, and 1 reference