The Significance of Security Cameras on Crime Reduction
By Adam J. Langino, Esq.
Introduction
The use of security cameras, also known as Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), has become a prevalent strategy in crime prevention across the globe. From urban centers in the United States to the streets of Medellín, Colombia, surveillance cameras are increasingly being deployed to deter criminal activities and enhance public safety. This article explores the impact of security cameras on crime reduction, drawing on empirical studies and real-world examples to provide a comprehensive analysis of their effectiveness.
In North Carolina, the impact of crime on households has been extensively studied. The article "Urban Crime and Its Net Implicit Price to North Carolina Households" by Bishwa Koirala, Rik Chakraborti, and Gyan Pradhan investigates how urban crime rates—both property and violent—affect wages and rents. The study estimates the net implicit monetary value of crime rates for living in metropolitan areas using data from the American Community Survey 2019.
This article also reviews each of these studies and provides useful information on what to do if you are the victim of a criminal attack.
Deterrence and Incapacitation
The primary mechanisms through which security cameras are believed to reduce crime are deterrence and incapacitation. Deterrence occurs when potential offenders are discouraged from committing crimes due to the increased likelihood of being observed and apprehended. Incapacitation, on the other hand, involves the use of recorded footage to identify and prosecute offenders, thereby removing them from the streets and preventing future crimes.
The study on North Carolina households provides additional insights into the broader implications of crime on communities. According to Koirala, Chakraborti, and Pradhan, crime rates are factored into both wages and rents, suggesting that households are compensated for living in high-crime areas.
The psychological impact of living in high-crime areas can also be significant. Residents may experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and fear, which can affect their overall well-being and quality of life. Children growing up in such environments may face challenges, including reduced opportunities for outdoor play and social interactions, which can impact their development and educational outcomes
Study 1: CCTV in Deprived Neighborhoods in Sweden
A study conducted by Manne Gerell examined the effects of CCTV in three deprived neighborhoods in Gothenburg, Sweden. The study focused on changes in crime rates and crime clearance rates following the installation of 28 cameras in these areas. The results indicated a significant reduction in violent crimes in the monitored areas compared to similar neighborhoods without CCTV. However, no significant change was observed in property crimes. Additionally, while crime clearance rates increased for both property and violent crimes, the changes were not statistically significant (Gerell 221-239). Gerell's study highlights the potential of CCTV to reduce violence in areas with high levels of criminal activity. The findings suggest that the presence of cameras may disrupt the operations of criminal networks, particularly those involved in narcotics sales, which are often linked to violent crimes.
Study 2: Surveillance Cameras in Medellín, Colombia
Another significant study by Santiago Gómez, Daniel Mejía, and Santiago Tobón analyzed the impact of a large-scale installation of surveillance cameras in Medellín, Colombia. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design to assess changes in crime and arrest trends at camera installation sites. The researchers found that the installation of approximately 450 cameras led to a 19% reduction in reported crimes, with significant decreases in both property and violent crimes (Gómez et al. 553-571). Interestingly, the study also found a decrease in arrests, particularly in the immediate vicinity of the cameras. This suggests that the reduction in crime was primarily due to deterrence rather than incapacitation, as the number of camera operators remained constant, and the footage was not extensively used in prosecutions. The study did not find evidence of crime displacement to nearby areas, indicating that the benefits of surveillance were localized to the monitored grids.
Study 3: Effects of Crime on North Carolina Households
The impact of crime on households in North Carolina has been extensively studied in the article "Urban Crime and Its Net Implicit Price to North Carolina Households" by Bishwa Koirala, Rik Chakraborti, and Gyan Pradhan. This study investigates how urban crime rates—both property and violent—affect wages and rents, and estimates the net implicit monetary value of crime rates for living in metropolitan areas using data from the American Community Survey 2019.
The study finds that crime rates are factored into both wages and rents, suggesting that households are compensated for living in high-crime areas. Specifically, the study estimates a negative value of $51.80 per month as the average net marginal implicit price for living in cities with high crime rates. This negative value indicates that households are being compensated through higher wages for the disadvantage of living in high-crime areas, while rents are lower to reflect the reduced desirability of these locations.
The study also highlights the trade-offs that households make when choosing where to live. Cities with higher crime rates may offer higher wages to attract workers, but these areas also have lower property values due to the increased drawback of crime.
Crime has several negative effects on households in North Carolina. High crime rates can lead to increased costs for additional security measures, such as installing alarm systems, hiring private security, or taking other precautions to protect property and personal safety. These costs can place a financial burden on households, particularly those with lower incomes.
Moreover, the psychological impact of living in high-crime areas can be significant. Residents may experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and fear, which can affect their overall well-being and quality of life. Children growing up in such environments may also face challenges, including reduced opportunities for outdoor play and social interactions, which can impact their development and educational outcomes.
Additionally, high crime rates can deter investment and economic development in affected areas. Businesses may be reluctant to establish operations in high-crime neighborhoods, leading to fewer job opportunities and economic stagnation. This can create a cycle of poverty and crime, further exacerbating the challenges faced by residents.
Benefits to the Public
The installation of security cameras offers several benefits to the public beyond the reduction of crime rates. These benefits include:
Enhanced Public Safety
The presence of surveillance cameras can create a safer environment for residents and visitors. Knowing that an area is monitored can provide a sense of security and reduce the fear of crime. This is particularly important in high-crime areas where residents may feel vulnerable.
Improved Quality of Life
By reducing crime and enhancing public safety, CCTV can contribute to an improved quality of life for community members. Safer neighborhoods can lead to increased social cohesion, higher property values, and greater economic opportunities.
Support for Law Enforcement
Surveillance cameras can serve as valuable tools for law enforcement agencies. They provide real-time monitoring capabilities and can assist in the rapid deployment of police officers to crime scenes. Additionally, recorded footage can be used as evidence in investigations and prosecutions, helping to bring offenders to justice.
Crime Prevention
The deterrent effect of CCTV can prevent crimes from occurring in the first place. Potential offenders may be discouraged from engaging in criminal activities if they know they are being watched. This can lead to a reduction in both violent and property crimes, as evidenced by the studies conducted in Sweden and Colombia.
Community Confidence
The presence of CCTV can enhance community confidence in local authorities and their ability to maintain public safety. When residents see that proactive measures are being taken to address crime, they may be more likely to cooperate with law enforcement and participate in community initiatives.
Reduction in Emergency Response Times
With real-time monitoring, security cameras can help reduce emergency response times. Operators can quickly alert law enforcement or emergency services to incidents as they occur, potentially saving lives and minimizing harm.
Legal Recourse for Attack Victims
Parking lots are the third most common place where crimes occur, with nearly 1,400 violent crimes committed each day. They also note that 7.3% of all violent crimes occur in parking facilities, and of those crimes, 16% are violent crimes and assaults.
In North Carolina, property owners are obligated to ensure their parking lots are maintained in a manner to present foreseeable criminal activity. For example, in the case of Foster v. Winston-Salem Joint Venture, the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled that the foreseeability of criminal acts in a shopping mall parking lot could impose a duty on the mall owners to provide adequate protection for their customers. (Foster v. Winston-Salem Joint Venture, 303 N.C. 636, 1981). Nearly two decades later, the North Carolina Court of Appeals reaffirmed this principle in Vera v. Five Crow Promotions, Inc., noting that property owners have a duty to protect business invitees from foreseeable criminal activity and may breach this duty by failing to provide adequate lighting or security personnel (Vera v. Five Crow Promotions, Inc., 130 N.C. App. 645, 1998).
Victims of crimes that could have been prevented by proper security may hold property owners accountable for negligence and seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, future loss of earning capacity, and past and future pain and suffering.
It is crucial to consult an attorney that is experienced in handling these types of claims. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to helping victims of negligent security hold property owners and managers accountable for the harm caused. You can reach me for a free consultation by clicking here.
Conclusion
Security cameras have the potential to significantly reduce crime, particularly violent crime, in areas with high levels of criminal activity. Property owners and businesses have a duty to keep visitors safe from foreseeable criminal activity. Unfortunately, not all property owners or businesses take this responsibility seriously and people get seriously injured as a result.
I am sorry if you are reading this if you or someone you love has been the he victim of a crime and seriously injured or killed. Over my career, I have handled many negligent security claims and I am licensed to practice law in Florida and North Carolina. If you would like a free consultation, click here.
Gerell, Manne. "CCTV in Deprived Neighbourhoods – A Short-Time Follow-Up of Effects on Crime and Crime Clearance." Nordic Journal of Criminology, vol. 22, no. 2, 2021, pp. 221-239. https://doi.org/10.1080/2578983X.2020.1816023
Gómez, Santiago, Daniel Mejía, and Santiago Tobón. "The Deterrent Effect of Surveillance Cameras on Crime." Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, vol. 40, no. 2, 2021, pp. 553-571. https://doi.org/10.1002/pam.22280
Koirala, Bishwa, Rik Chakraborti, and Gyan Pradhan. "Urban Crime and Its Net Implicit Price to North Carolina Households." American Business Review, vol. 26, no. 1, 2023, pp. 83-94. https://doi.org/10.37625/abr.26.1.83-94
LotGuard USA. "Common Parking Lot Crimes." LotGuard USA, 14 Feb. 2022, www.lot-guard.com/resources/blog/common-parking-lot-crimes/. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.
MotorBiscuit. "The Most Dangerous Things You Should Never Do in Parking Garages and Lots." MotorBiscuit, www.motorbiscuit.com/most-dangerous-things-should-never-do-parking-garages-lots/. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.