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Watched over or over-watched? Open street CCTV in Australia

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journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 09:21 authored by Dean WilsonDean Wilson, Adam Sutton
Most developed countries, Australia included, are witnessing increased government and public concerns about crime and security. Amid these anxieties, closed circuit television (CCTV) systems to monitor public spaces are increasingly being touted as a solution to problems of crime and disorder. The city of Perth established Australia’s first open street closed circuit television system in July 1991. Subsequently, there has been significant expansion. At the end of 2002 Australia had 33 “open street” CCTV schemes. Based on site inspections, extensive reviews of documentation and interviews with 22 Australian administrators, this article discusses issues relating to system implementation, management and accountability.We also suggest ways relevant authorities might ensure that current and future schemes are appropriately audited and evaluated. We argue that rigorous independent assessment of both the intended and unintended consequences of open street CCTV is essential to ensure this measure is not deployed inappropriately. Finally, this article suggests any potential crime prevention benefits must be carefully weighed against the potential of CCTV to exacerbate social division and exclusion.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology

ISSN

0004-8658

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Issue

2

Volume

37

Page range

211-230

Department affiliated with

  • Sociology and Criminology Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • Crime Research Centre Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2017-12-13

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2017-12-13

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2017-12-13

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