Does CCTV Actually Work?
Discussion
www.thisisbournemouth.co.uk/dorset/bournemouth/news/BOURN_NEWS_NEWS10.html
Police reject claim that CCTV is failing
by Andy Davey
POLICE have slammed a controversial Home Office study which claims that nearly all CCTV camera systems fail to cut crime or make people feel safer.
Criminologists studied 14 CCTV schemes, including systems in town and city centres, but only one network showed a fall in crime.
But Bournemouth police dismissed the findings, claiming the town's CCTV camera network was an "absolutely vital" tool in its war against crime.
Bournemouth division's operations manager Superintendent Nick Hazelton said: "What this study will never be able to show is how many people are not victims of crime because of CCTV.
"There is a danger in getting lost in surveys. CCTV in Bournemouth has a major impact on crime and disorder in public places and is a vital tool in our armoury.
"It also makes people feel safer and more confident when they go out at night."
Professor Martin Gill, who led the research team from Leicester University, agreed surveillance cameras were a powerful tool, but added that for supporters of CCTV the findings would be disappointing.
The research showed knowing cameras were installed in an area did not necessarily lead to people feeling safer.
It showed there was a reduction in fear of crime after the installation of CCTV, but it was more likely to reflect a fall in reported incidents.
The study also showed fewer people were likely to go out after CCTV was installed where they lived.
A report in the Daily Echo earlier this month revealed that just 70 out of 148 cameras set up during two decades to scour the streets of Bournemouth for law-breakers actually work.
Seafront cameras were switched off last autumn after a report that the once pioneering system was reaching the end of its life.
But the police have backed Bournemouth Borough Council's plan to spend £4 million overhauling the ageing system.
Central ward councillor David Smith said: "This study is absolute rubbish.
"The police are at the forefront of tackling crime and if they say they welcome CCTV cameras then I'm sure they must be a good thing."
Police reject claim that CCTV is failing
by Andy Davey
POLICE have slammed a controversial Home Office study which claims that nearly all CCTV camera systems fail to cut crime or make people feel safer.
Criminologists studied 14 CCTV schemes, including systems in town and city centres, but only one network showed a fall in crime.
But Bournemouth police dismissed the findings, claiming the town's CCTV camera network was an "absolutely vital" tool in its war against crime.
Bournemouth division's operations manager Superintendent Nick Hazelton said: "What this study will never be able to show is how many people are not victims of crime because of CCTV.
"There is a danger in getting lost in surveys. CCTV in Bournemouth has a major impact on crime and disorder in public places and is a vital tool in our armoury.
"It also makes people feel safer and more confident when they go out at night."
Professor Martin Gill, who led the research team from Leicester University, agreed surveillance cameras were a powerful tool, but added that for supporters of CCTV the findings would be disappointing.
The research showed knowing cameras were installed in an area did not necessarily lead to people feeling safer.
It showed there was a reduction in fear of crime after the installation of CCTV, but it was more likely to reflect a fall in reported incidents.
The study also showed fewer people were likely to go out after CCTV was installed where they lived.
A report in the Daily Echo earlier this month revealed that just 70 out of 148 cameras set up during two decades to scour the streets of Bournemouth for law-breakers actually work.
Seafront cameras were switched off last autumn after a report that the once pioneering system was reaching the end of its life.
But the police have backed Bournemouth Borough Council's plan to spend £4 million overhauling the ageing system.
Central ward councillor David Smith said: "This study is absolute rubbish.
"The police are at the forefront of tackling crime and if they say they welcome CCTV cameras then I'm sure they must be a good thing."
This seems like facts: "...Criminologists studied 14 CCTV schemes, including systems in town and city centres, but only one network showed a fall in crime...
versus words:
"...But Bournemouth police dismissed the findings, claiming the town's CCTV camera network was an "absolutely vital" tool in its war against crime..."
versus words:
"...But Bournemouth police dismissed the findings, claiming the town's CCTV camera network was an "absolutely vital" tool in its war against crime..."
james_j said:
This seems like facts: "...Criminologists studied 14 CCTV schemes, including systems in town and city centres, but only one network showed a fall in crime...
versus words:
"...But Bournemouth police dismissed the findings, claiming the town's CCTV camera network was an "absolutely vital" tool in its war against crime..."
indeed. the former speaks objectivity whilst the latter seems to reflect provincial ninnies not knowing what else to do to re: crime.
"put a camera up. that'll do it. aye."
i can imagine the bournemouth cctv footage of a typical weekend is awash with 70+yr olds leaving the local conservative club after one too many sherrys. wobbling back to their rover, only pausing to gaze longingly at the latest window display of "past times".
this sort of behaviour has to stop!
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