CCTV Effectiveness Called Into Question

The internet is buzzing with reports of the lack of concrete proof that CCTV is at all effective in reducing or preventing crime. MSNBC has this report on on the subject. In it, they cite a Seattle official who actually voted against more cameras. Nevertheless, officials are tripping over themselves to install cameras.

Here is the question that I always ask in evaluating the success of a CCTV scheme, "now that the CCTV cameras are installed and operational, would you take your family to visit ____?" Pick the location and ask the question for yourself.

Time and again, people opt to visit places with more visible signs of safety and security - like improved lighting and an active police patrol.

Read the article and see what you think ...