In recent history, tragedies like the bombings that occurred in Oklahoma City and the Boston Marathon have improved the receptiveness of the public opinion regarding surveillance. The California Research Bureau (CRB) report investigating CCTV use quotes a leading security spokesperson , “…years ago shoppers objected to electronic eyes recording their moves, today it’s not only accepted, its preferred”. (Nieto 1997) This CRB report outlines the contributions by police surveillance in listed U.S. cities which initiated public surveillance protocols as a way to control nuisance crimes within defined city areas. Results of the thirteen initial installations reported, “… a decrease in criminal and unlawful activity and an increase in the effectiveness of the police” (Nieto 1997) as well as expansion plans for public monitoring for these cities.
The CRB report states similar results in areas concerning public housing, schools, and transit system surveillance. The Safe Neighborhoods Action Plan (SNAP) enacted in Boston “… has reduced crime in the 3 projects by 30%”. (Nieto 1997) This same study investigates the use of and planned expansion of closed circuit monitoring within several school districts as a way to prevent crime and violence. One study concludes, “… most of the campuses have recorded sharp drops in crime as a result of the CCTV …show more content…
The population at the community level needs to be part of the development of oversight in these systems. The community as a whole cannot simply will these programs away; they can only be expected to expand going forward. The obvious need is to “develop controls to maximize effectiveness and minimize threats to civil liberties…” (Carli 2005) This will only come as a result of involvement and community pressure. “CCTV is only useful when necessary and targeted with open public debate” (Temperton
The CRB report states similar results in areas concerning public housing, schools, and transit system surveillance. The Safe Neighborhoods Action Plan (SNAP) enacted in Boston “… has reduced crime in the 3 projects by 30%”. (Nieto 1997) This same study investigates the use of and planned expansion of closed circuit monitoring within several school districts as a way to prevent crime and violence. One study concludes, “… most of the campuses have recorded sharp drops in crime as a result of the CCTV …show more content…
The population at the community level needs to be part of the development of oversight in these systems. The community as a whole cannot simply will these programs away; they can only be expected to expand going forward. The obvious need is to “develop controls to maximize effectiveness and minimize threats to civil liberties…” (Carli 2005) This will only come as a result of involvement and community pressure. “CCTV is only useful when necessary and targeted with open public debate” (Temperton