Exploring the role of CCTV in deterring and investigating crime.

• In Event: Police, Social Media, and CCTV

Abstract

Studies continue to explore the effectiveness of close circuit television (CCTV) surveillance cameras on crime. Generally, these studies, focused on the notion that individuals refrain from offending due to the heighten risk of apprehension posed by surveillance cameras, have revealed little to mixed evidence that cameras deter crime. Despite the previous evidence, the role that cameras play in supporting criminal investigations remains unexplored. Employing incident and arrest data, this research explores both the influence of data-driven camera sites on crime, as well as the interaction of deterrence and support in investigations while controlling for various spatial and incident factors. The study contains test and comparison sites, a discontinuity design leveraging site selection contingent upon a score ranking system, and negative binomial regression and hierarchical generalized linear models to evaluate the outcomes. These analytics can provide suggestions for tactical action from law enforcement agencies.

Authors

• Jorma Huttunen, New York City Police Department

• Christopher Fisher, New York City Police Department