Citation

Mackay D. Crime Prev. Community Safety 2003; 5(3): 39-48.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group -- Palgrave-Macmillan)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

Little attempt has been made to investigate the reasons for supporting town-centre CCTV systems. Attention has normally focused on crime reduction and potential infringement of civil liberties. This essay concentrates on the public reasons that have been given for supporting it. The reasons behind this support are studied and examples are produced; these have seldom attracted headlines but form the basis for the support given by all partners. The study shows that CCTV was sold as a political response to the law and order debate. Its true purpose is shown to be an amalgam of dealing with public disorder, the fear of crime, improving economic bene?ts and town centre management issues. All of these relate to self-interest on the part of the supporters. These ?ndings are con?rmed after a series of non-structured interviews in the case study.