NCJ Number
216553
Journal
Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy Volume: 13 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2006 Pages: 451-460
Date Published
October 2006
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effectiveness of "redeployable" closed-circuit television (capable of being moved around to various crime "hot spots") in countering open-air drug crimes in the United Kingdom.
Abstract
The police interviewed during the evaluation did not report any helpful evidence obtained from the camera recordings. This was due largely to implementation failures and technical problems. Even with excellent planning and clear objectives for camera use, at the time of the evaluation the technology proved to be one of the major obstacles to effective deployment. During the period of the evaluation, only 25 deployments were made, and more than half of these failed to be implemented as intended. Technical problems often recurred every time the cameras were relocated, leading to a reluctance by overburdened police personnel to redeploy them. The cameras were not monitored live; the tapes were monitored later, making rapid response to currently occurring drug transactions impossible. Although the technology of redeployable cameras might become more reliable and user friendly over time, success will still require more skill and care in the buying and preparation processes than was found in this evaluation. Three sites were involved in this pilot program. The evaluation included extensive periods of observation in the three police areas, stakeholder interviews, and assessments of relevant documentation. 17 references