The technology of crime control

# 1 The purpose, efficacy and regulation of CCTV

John Muncie presents a series of opposing views about the purpose, efficacy and regulation of CCTV. The audio programme was recorded in 1994.

Participants in the audio programme were:

- John Muncie Professor of Criminology at The Open University;

- Bob Patison Superintendent with the Newcastle Police force;

- Andrew Puddephat General Secretary of Liberty (civil rights organisation);

- Richard Thomas Member of the Association of Chief Police Officers crime prevention sub committee;

- Richard Sparks Professor of Criminology at the University of Keele and now Professor of Criminology at the University of Edinburgh.

## Activity 1

Before listening to the audio programme it would be worth your while making some notes on your own views on new technological developments in crime control. As you do so, think about the following questions:

- Do CCTV cameras have a presence in your neighbourhood?

- Are you aware of these cameras and other forms of surveillance in your everyday life?

- Do you think the new technologies control crime, or control us?

- Why do you think that UK has the heaviest concentration of surveillance cameras ion the world?

These are some of the questions that are currently preoccupying criminologists, especially those involved in ‘situational crime prevention’ initiatives and ‘governance’ theorists.

Listen to the audio files. You may find it helpful to listen to the recordings a second time and take notes.

The technology crime control part 1 (11 minutes 5 MB)

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The technology crime control part 1
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The technology crime control part 2 (8 minutes 4 MB)

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The technology crime control part 2
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The technology crime control part 3 (9.5 minutes 4.5 MB)

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The technology crime control part 3
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OpenLearn - The technology of crime control
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