Stakeholder Attitudes and Perceptions Toward Closed-Circuit Television Surveillance in a High Crime Neighborhood

• In Event: Comparative Perspectives on Policing and Surveillance

Abstract

Chicago has seen an immense growth in closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance since its implementation. Currently, more than 8,000 CCTV surveillance cameras, including police, transit, and public school cameras are in operation. No study to date has investigated the attitudes and perceptions of different stakeholders within a high-crime community toward CCTV surveillance, although these communities are often disproportionately impacted by crime. Previous public attitude CCTV surveillance research has resulted in mixed findings, with a measure of support mitigated by public concerns about effectiveness, regulation, camera operator/monitor abuse, racial profiling, fear of crime, privacy and civil liberties. In this study, in-depth, intensive interviews are conducted on a purposive sample of adult—residents, police, citizens, community leaders, religious leaders, business owners, and elected officials in a high crime neighborhood in Chicago. The current study seeks to bridge the gaps unanswered in the relevant literature.

Keywords: CCTV surveillance, public attitudes, public perceptions

Author

• Keith Atterberry, University of Illinois at Chicago