Manalo, Dennes M. Mapoy, Kim Alvin Reyes, Kenneth Angelo Villano, Kim Joem K.

INSTALLATION OF CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION CAMERAS: EVALUATING THE IMPACT Objectives: 1. To determine the percentage of CCTV camera usage in BAtangas City in the following a) Commercial establishment b) Residential areas c) Streets 2. To evaluate the impact of CCTV camera usage in terms of: a) Deterring crime b) Apprehension of offenders c) Solving crime Rationale The researchers wants to conduct this study to gather necessary knowledge about the reality behind closed circuit television camera whether it really serve as deterrence to crime and help to protect the people from the enormous threats of criminality. It is the researchers goal to develop a study that will assess the benefits and potentials of the use of the CCTV camera in crime prevention. Through this study, we will be able to obtain valid and reliable information that can be used for improvements and betterment of human lives and welfares.

Introduction Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) are used to monitor and record images of what takes place in specific locations in real time. The images collected are sent to a monitor and recorded on video tape or as digital information. The cameras can be fixed or set to scan an area or they can be operated by controllers. Monitors can be watched by controllers or left unmonitored. The recorded information can be stored and/or reviewed by those who have access to the recordings at their convenience. Programme) For over 20 years, businesses, individuals and commercial and residential associations have embraced video surveillance technology as a means to protect residential privacy and property against intrusion and other forms of crime. (Marcus,1997) CCTV is an environmental crime prevention tool. Commentators have described its possible effects as including: a.) providing a surveillance function that may work to deter people from committing crimes in the area in which it is used b.) signifying to the public that an area with CCTV is a safe place and the increased use of the space means that crime is less likely to happen as there are more potential witnesses c.) the presence of CCTV may act as a prompt to remind people to take other security measures such as locking their car (Welsh & Farrington 2002). Research suggests that CCTV is most successful in reducing or solving crime when there is an active police interest in: providing surveillance information to inform the setting up of CCTV, being involved in monitoring the CCTV and using the evidence it can provide. There is also evidence that improving street lighting reduces crime. As both street lighting and CCTV appear to separately reduce crime then it has been suggested that combining these elements may have even greater impact on crime reduction in environments like car parks in reducing vehicle crime (Welsh & Farrington 2004). (National Community Crime Prevention

Here

in

the

Philippines,

the

use

of

CCTV

cameras

have

helped

in

capturing thieves, violators, employees, and even suspects for killings. However, not all video footages caught by CCTV are helpful at all in solving crimes. " If they only capture the tops of

people's heads they are less than useless", one comment from Gloria Laycock, a criminologists and director of Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science at University College London. ( 2012,UPLB Information Technology Center) In community consultations exploring situational crime prevention alternatives, CCTV is often suggested as a solution that would make them feel safer (Crime Prevention Victoria, 2005; 2001; Ramsay & Newton, 1991). CCTV is often spoken of as if it is a panacea that will immediately reduce crime and cure fear of crime (Armitage, 2002; MacCahill & Norris, 2002). However the evidence for CCTV as a solution for fear of crime and as a crime reduction tool is conflicting and still open for debate. In a report to the United States Congress, Sherman et al (1997) placed lighting, CCTV, and most other situational interventions in the unknown category when discussing what works, what doesnt and what is promising.

Sources:
http://www.crimeprevention.gov.au/NationalCommunityCrimePreventionProgramme/Documents/Tip_Sheet_5.pdf Marcus Nieto,June 1997,Public Video Surveillance:Is It An Effective Crime Prevention Tool? http://www.library.ca.gov/crb/97/05/ Welsh, BC & Farrington DP, 2002 Crime prevention effects of closed circuit television: asystematic review, Home Office Study 252, London: Home Office Research, Welsh, BC & Farrington DP, 2004. Surveillance Development and Statistics Directorate.

for crime prevention in

public space: Results and policy

choices in Britain and America, Criminology & Public Policy; Jul 2004; Criminal Justice Periodicals pg.497
2012,UPLB Information Technology Center http://itc.uplb.edu.ph/index.php/item/232-how-effective-are-cctv-cameras Crime Prevention Victoria. 2005. Perceptions of Local Safety Survey 2004: City of Darebin. Melbourne: Author. Gill, M., & Spriggs, A. 2005. Assessing the impact of CCTV. London: Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate. Armitage, R. 2002. To CCTV or not CCTV? A review of current research into the effectiveness of CCTV systems in

reducing crime. London: Nacro Crime and Social Policy Section.