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Effects of Closed-Circuit Television on Crime

Author

Listed:
  • Brandon C. Welsh

    (Department of Criminal Justice, University of Massachusetts, Lowell)

  • David P. Farrington

    (Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge)

Abstract

This article reports on the findings of a systematic review--incorporating meta-analytic techniques--of the available research evidence on the effects of closed-circuit television (CCTV) on crime in public space. A number of targeted and comprehensive searches of the published and unpublished literature and contacts with leading researchers produced twenty-two CCTV evaluations that met our criteria for inclusion in this review. CCTV had a significant desirable effect on crime, although the overall reduction in crime was a rather small 4 percent. All nine studies showing evidence of a desirable effect of CCTV on crime were carried out in the United Kingdom. Conversely, the other nine studies showing no evidence of any desirable effect of CCTV on crime included all five North American studies. CCTV was most effective in reducing crime in car parks. It had no effect on violent crimes but had a significant desirable effect on vehicle crimes.

Suggested Citation

  • Brandon C. Welsh & David P. Farrington, 2003. "Effects of Closed-Circuit Television on Crime," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 587(1), pages 110-135, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:587:y:2003:i:1:p:110-135
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716202250802
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Weisburd & Cynthia M. Lum & Anthony Petrosino, 2001. "Does Research Design Affect Study Outcomes in Criminal Justice?," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 578(1), pages 50-70, November.
    2. David B. Wilson, 2001. "Meta-Analytic Methods for Criminology," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 578(1), pages 71-89, November.
    3. Anthony A. Braga, 2001. "The Effects of Hot Spots Policing on Crime," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 578(1), pages 104-125, November.
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    Cited by:

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