NCJ Number
215726
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 58-70
Date Published
2006
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined the purposes of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance in prison settings in Australia.
Abstract
Overall, the findings indicated three main purposes of CCTV surveillance in prison settings: (1) to detect and prevent specific behaviors, such as contraband smuggling, self-harm, and escape; (2) as a means of identification for remote access control; and (3) to facilitate the coordination of incident responses, gather evidence, and improve safety. It was also found, however, that prisons lacked a clearly defined role for the CCTV surveillance and that the CCTV systems had been installed without prior research regarding their placement. Moreover, there were few articulated procedures governing the use of CCTV in prisons and the prevention aspect of the CCTV system did not appear to be its primary goal. The findings suggest the need for the adoption of evidence-based approaches to the use of CCTV in prisons as well as the need to develop specific policies and procedures governing its use in this type of setting. The research methodology included physical audits of the CCTV systems in four prisons in Queensland, a content analysis of related legislation and CCTV procedures, and interviews with four managers of prison CCTV systems. Interviews focused on why CCTV was used in the prison and the purposes of CCTV in specific locations. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of CCTV surveillance in detecting aberrant behaviors in prisons. Tables, references