Private Security and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Surveillance: A Systematic Review of Function and Performance. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Welsh, Brandon C.; Piza, Eric L.; Thomas, Amanda L.; Farrington, David P.
• Other Names: Nalla Mahesh K. guest-editor.; Gurinskaya Anna guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of contemporary criminal justice. Volume 36:Number 1(2020:Feb.)
• Page Start: 56
• Page End: 69
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: private security -- CCTV -- surveillance -- crime prevention -- systematic review; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; 364.973
• DOI: 10.1177/1043986219890192
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-9862

Abstract

Private security personnel play an important but largely overlooked role in the operation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance to prevent crime in public and private areas. This role can take a number of forms, including active monitoring of cameras. Drawing upon a global database of CCTV evaluations ( N = 165), this article examines the function and performance of private security personnel as related to the effectiveness of CCTV. Findings indicate that CCTV schemes operated by private security personnel generated larger crime prevention effects than those operated by police or those using a mix of police and security personnel. Policy and research implications are discussed.