A shift in public perception of CCTV has been revealed following the UK riots.
Despite historical controversy around the use of CCTV systems, the high-profile and crucial role played by the technology in the police’s post-riots crackdowns, which have resulted in an excess of 3,000 arrests made so far, has allowed for a positive shift in the general public’s perception towards the security system.
Research commissioned by a member of the BSIA’s CCTV section following the UK riots has in fact revealed that 76 per cent of individuals surveyed feel safer knowing that CCTV is in operation in public areas, with 62 per cent saying they would like to see more CCTV in their local area.
Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Concannon of the Metropolitan Police highlighted how, particularly in the follow-up investigation, the surveillance technology truly comes into its own: “There were large numbers arrested…” he said, “but it was impossible to gather them all up on that night, so that’s when we then fought back on the CCTV.” Supported by forensics and witness testimonies, CCTV is playing “a wide part” in tracking down rioters and looters, with DCI Concannon confident that “a very good proportion of those will ultimately be brought to justice” as a result. The large numbers of arrests and subsequent convictions made have demonstrated this.
