CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM

Background of the Study

In recent decades, closed-circuit television (CCTV)

surveillance has become a prevalent crime prevention measure

worldwide (Armitage, 2002). The adoption of CCTV in Britain

skyrocketed from around 100 systems in 1990 to over four

million within two decades (Farrington et al., 2007).

Similarly, cities in the United States witnessed significant

investments in CCTV over the past decade. Despite its

ubiquity, scholars have dubbed CCTV a "banal good," integrated

into everyday life without much media scrutiny (Goold et al.,

2013; Greenberg & Hier, 2009).

Winge and Knutsson (2003) recognize the potential for

CCTV to both increase reported crime by detecting unreported

incidents and make citizens more vulnerable by instilling a

false sense of security. The Home Office Research Study 292

(Gill & Spriggs, 2005) emphasized the role of CCTV images in

criminal investigations, highlighting their use as evidence in

court and aiding police inquiries.

CCTV, classified as a situational crime prevention

strategy (Owen et al., 2006), aligns with the rational choice

perspective, viewing crime as purposive behavior meeting

offenders' needs (Clarke, 1997). It not only enhances formal

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surveillance but also assists post-crime, improving emergency

response, providing visual evidence, and securing early guilty

pleas (Ratcliffe, 2006; Ashby, 2017).

Recent decades have seen the emergence of closed-circuit

television (CCTV) surveillance as a mainstream crime

prevention measure used around the world. Its rise can be

traced to Great Britain, where three-quarters of the Home

Office budget was allocated to CCTV-related projects from 1996

to 1998(Armitage,2002).

CCTV is a type of situational crime prevention (SCP)

strategy that increases levels of formal surveillance within a

target area (Cornish and Clarke, 2003; Welsh and Farrington,

2009: 717).

Ratcliffs, (2011) CCTV is a system in which many video

cameras connected in a closed circuit or loop, with the

images produced being sent to a central television monitor or

recorded. Many countries around the world are installing

closed-circuit television surveillance camera systems as an

additional tool in fighting crime Bayan (2015) posited that

the very presence of camera surveillance systems cannot only

discouraged criminals in committing crimes but has also

aided police investigators solve various crimes because of the

recorded data that identified the perpetrators of crimes

committed within the vicinity of the business establishments.

Additionally, home and business owners are also finding great

value in using CCTV footage when their homes of businesses are

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compromised (Annke, 2017). One of the many countries that

employ CCTV camera systems in both public and private spaces

in Great Britain. Literature review reveals that CCTV does

not work evenly in all places. Its efficiency depends on as

visibility, placement and viewing ranges. According

comprehensive and systematic review and meta-analysis of

influence of CCTV cameras on crime, the best current evidence

reveals that CCTV camera is linked to a significant though

small reduction in crime (Piza et al., 2019).

The Philippines CCTV Camera Act of 2012 was officially

introduced in December 2012 in front of the entire senate by

Mrs. Miriam Defensor Santiago. According to recent reports,

the law will now only affect all business establishments. This

indicates that as a result of the changes, the law will now

require all businesses operating in the country to install and

maintain CCTV cameras. According to Masangcay (2011), the

Management Association of Security and School Officials, Inc.

(MASSO) encourages all of its members to install CCTV cameras

in strategic areas like the main entrances, registration,

office, cashiers, and parking.

Parking lot CCTV surveillance has also been the subject

of research. Tilley (1993) found that car parks with CCTV

cameras had lower rates of car crime than car parks without

them when evaluating the effectiveness of using CCTV cameras

in parking lots. considering this finding. Tilley came to the

conclusion that, depending on the specifics of the situation,

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CCTV might be able to help control crime. In addition, Ditton

& Short's (1996) study found a reduction in vehicle crime

following the installation of CCTVs. Additionally, some

academics contend that the primary benefit of installing CCTV

should be its effectiveness in deterring and lowering crime

rates. cameras (2011 report by Caplan, Kennedy, and

Petrossian). They believe that CCTV cameras will not

completely prevent crimes. As a result, more work should be

done by CCTV users to solve crimes. The contribution of CCTV

to reducing crime depends on how effectively the system is

installed and how quickly CCTV users respond to criminal

activity when it is displayed through the system. Based on

this, scholars like Akers & Sellers (2009) argue that the

installation of CCTV and the explanation for it should be

consistent with traditional police responses to crime

problems, like increasing street patrols and hiring more

police officers who can catch and convict criminals.

The Philippines has seen a rise in the use of CCTV

cameras over the past few years. These cameras, which are used

for surveillance and security, can now be found in a lot of

places, like businesses, private homes, and public spaces.

In the Philippines, where crime rates are relatively

high, the use of CCTV cameras has become particularly

important. Over 500,000 crimes were reported to the Philippine

National Police in 2020 alone, according to the agency. As a

result, numerous individuals and businesses have made

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investments in CCTV cameras to increase safety and prevent

crime.

According to Graeme Gerrard (2007), closed-circuit

television (CCTV) plays an important role in public safety and

supporting police with crime investigations. In many ways, we

led the world from its inception in the 1970s to the

tremendous increase in CCTV installation and use in the

1990s.The government has made significant investments in CCTV

schemes run by local governments, and most town centers now

have CCTV cameras in place. Although we have more CCTV than

many other nations, the majority is privately owned and

controlled by the business sector, and it covers locations

such as retail stores and shopping malls.

The ability of CCTV cameras to aid in the prevention of

criminal activity is one of their primary advantages. Because

they are aware that their actions are being recorded,

potential criminals may be less likely to commit a crime when

they see that there are cameras in place. Additionally, the

footage from the CCTV cameras can be used as evidence to

identify the offender and bring them to justice in the event

of a crime.

A further advantage of CCTV cameras is that they can

increase public space safety. In many cities in the

Philippines, for instance, CCTV cameras have been installed in

public parks, markets, and other places where people gather.

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This enables officials in law enforcement to keep an eye on

these areas and respond quickly to any incidents.

CCTV cameras can be used to monitor employee behavior in

the workplace in addition to enhancing safety. In addition to

assisting in the prevention of theft, vandalism, and other

forms of misconduct, this can be utilized to increase

productivity and efficiency.

According to a study by Amanda Thomas (2022), closed-

circuit television (CCTV) surveillance cameras have become

increasingly important in modern crime prevention around the

world over the past two decades. The "internationalization" of

CCTV surveillance has resulted in a significant increase in

the evidence base about its impact on crime. The accumulated

evidence shows that CCTV surveillance is associated with large

but small decreases in crime, and the benefits vary depending

on a number of contextual factors, including nation of origin.

This research reflects on the global expansion of CCTV schemes

and investigates their effects on crime in various nations

using systematic review methodologies and meta-analytic

approaches. It relies on a recently updated database of CCTV

evaluations that spans nearly five decades.

In the Philippines, it's important to think about things

like image quality, storage capacity, and connectivity options

when choosing a CCTV camera. Advanced features like night

vision, motion detection, and remote access are now included

in a lot of cameras, which can make them even more effective.

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In the Philippines, the use of closed-circuit television

cameras (CCTVs) has grown to be an important tool for reducing

crime and improving safety. In the years to come, it is likely

that these cameras will become even more advanced and widely

used as technology advances.

Jt. Cho's study (2007) on the fear of crime in Seoul

revealed gender-specific effects of CCTV, emphasizing the

importance of strategic installation and active responses from

authorities. Appelbe's research (2009) delved into CCTV's role

as an investigative tool, establishing its effectiveness in

solving various crimes.

CCTV is a means of monitoring public spaces that often

receives public support due to its perceived effectiveness in

apprehending offenders, deterring offenders, and reducing fear

of crime(Bennett & Gelsthorpe,1996).

The primary aim of CCTV is considered to be the

triggering of a perceptual mechanism that impacts an

offender’s choice structuring properties in a manner that

persuades them to abstain from crime (Ratcliffe, 2006).

CCTV can lead to a small decrease in crime , possibly due

to increasing offenders’ perceptions of getting caught as well

as actually helping to catch offenders (College of Policing,

2015b).

Beginning in the mid-1990s, government agencies in South

Africa's major cities have used closed-circuit television

(CCTV) to deter crime. BACSA, or Business Against Crime of

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South Africa, was the main force behind this initiative. There

was a great deal of hope at the time that these technologies

would lead to a significant reduction in crime and the arrest

of criminals. Anthony Minnaar (2002).

Some earlier research on CCTV in investigative work noted

that the video quality at times was insufficient for it to be

useful, especially at night and for residential areas (Gill &

Spriggs, Citation2005).

Measuring costs and benefits in monetary terms offers a

grounded rationale for applying crime-preventive measures. It

is a highly recommended method of evaluating particular crime

preventive measures and policies (Welsh et al., 2015).

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance as a

mainstream crime prevention measure used around the world. Its

rise can be traced to Great Britain, where three-quarters of

the Home Office budget was allocated to CCTV-related projects

from 1996 to 1998 (Armitage, 2002).

CCTV is a means of monitoring public spaces that often

receives public support due to its perceived effectiveness in

apprehending offenders, deterring offenders, and reducing fear

of crime(Bennett & Gelsthorpe,1996).

The primary aim of CCTV is considered to be the

triggering of a perceptual mechanism that impacts an

offender’s choice structuring properties in a manner that

persuades them to abstain from crime (Ratcliffe, 2006).

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CCTV can lead to a small decrease in crime , possibly due

to increasing offenders’ perceptions of getting caught as well

as actually helping to catch offenders (College of Policing,

2015b)

According to (Gitonga, Timothy 2020), The challenges

facing implementation of CCTV surveillance technology for

school safety included: cameras breaking down, the CCTV system

being expensive to maintain and inadequate personnel to man

CCTV cameras effectively in schools.

CCTV in conjunction with policing and live monitoring is

found to dramatically increase the feelings of safety(Brands

et al., 2016).

Detailed understanding on the functioning of CCTVis found

to enhance perceived safety(Brands et al., 2016).

The flip side of displacement is diffusion of benefits.

This occurs when the crime-reduction effects of CCTV are

spread out and benefit surrounding areas beyond those targeted

by CCTV (Clarke and Weisburd, 1994).

According to (Gitonga, Timothy 2020), The challenges

facing implementation of CCTV surveillance technology for

school safety included: cameras breaking down, the CCTV system

being expensive to maintain and inadequate personnel to man

CCTV cameras effectively in schools.

According to (Moneymentor 2023), Proponents of CCTV

systems argue that they are an effective way to deter crime

and improve public safety. The presence of cameras can

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discourage criminals from committing crimes, and the footage

can be used to identify and prosecute offenders. CCTV systems

can also be used to monitor traffic and improve road safety.

However, opponents argue that CCTV systems are too expensive

and that the benefits do not outweigh the costs.

Based on (Matt Wilson 2022), A traditional security camera

system provides excellent support to the security of any home

or business but can entirely be expensive. The implementation

of security cameras typically requires running cables, as

referenced in a past post, and includes extensive labor and

multiple products to implement successfully.

The CCTV footage security cameras appears to be grainy and

low- quality because of the file resolution and compression,

the manner in which it was recorded, and the cropping that

usually occurs on such video files, among others (John

Staughton 2023).

According to (Gary 2023), If the CCTV camera cannot

capture enough light, it will result inadequate image. To

avoid this problem. Install adequate lightning around the area

you are monitoring and turn off any unnecessary light that may

affect the camera’s view.

Measuring costs and benefits in monetary terms offers a

grounded rationale for applying crime-preventive measures. It

is a highly recommended method of evaluating particular crime

preventive measures and policies (Welsh et al., 2015).

Based on (Linkedin 2024), Some businesses do not do a

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proper risks assessment of the areas that should be monitored.

This results in poor design of the system and inadequate

capture of video.

Based on (Andries M. Heyns 2021) The optimisation of

surveillance and detection systems comprised of specialised

cameras is a well-known problem in the operations

research literature. In these problems, the aim is to locate

optimal camera sites so that their combined coverage with

respect to some area of interest – called a cover zone – is

maximised.

In the Wolverhampton leisure centre parking facility,

where car crime was slightly reduced, the CCTV effect may have

been confounded by a decrease in the usage of the centre

(Tilley, 1993a).

(Keith prabhu 2016), it has been found that the CCTV

system was not working or configured incorrectly when video

was retrieved post any incident. Either the system was

configured to store video in low resolution or some component

of the system was had stopped working

Sometimes a problem can be as simple as a disconnected

lead and it might even be that the network is currently down.

Internet protocol (IP) cameras generally have LED indicators

that are used for transmitting data across to the network but

this might be hidden inside the camera (Caught on Camera

2023).

According to (IFSEC 2021), Insidernternet-connected IP

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cameras are of particular concern. Such systems are more

easily “hackable” than a closed-circuit system.

Some earlier research on CCTV in investigative work noted

that the video quality at times was insufficient for it to be

useful, especially at night and for residential areas (Gill &

Spriggs, Citation2005).

This chapter, according to Clive Norris (2013), is broken

up into four sections. The definition of closed-circuit

television (CCTV) is covered in the first part. The growth of

CCTV surveillance in the UK, Europe, and other countries is

examined in the second section. The evidence from

methodologically sound evaluation studies carried out globally

is examined in the last section. It focuses on the data

showing that CCTV lowers crime, improves criminal detection,

and lessens fear associated with crime. The last section

argues that we should reconsider our presumptions about the

success and failure of CCTV systems in light of this research.

Sherman et al. (2009) note that while CCTV is often

suggested as a panacea for crime reduction, conflicting

evidence necessitates continued debate on its effectiveness.

Ratcliffe (2011) outlines various applications of CCTV for

public safety, emphasizing its potential in preventing,

detecting offenses, managing emergencies, and reducing fear of

crime.
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Ashby (2017) highlights CCTV as a powerful tool in the

fight against crime, examining its emergence as a crime

prevention strategy and its effectiveness. Welsh and

Farrington's (2021) global perspective underscores the

cumulative evidence associating CCTV with modest crime

reductions, acknowledging variations based on contextual

factors.

At the national level in the Philippines, CCTV

installations in cities like Bagong Caloocan and Bontoc have

shown effectiveness in reducing theft and monitoring business

establishments, respectively. The late Interior and Local

Government Secretary Jesse Robredo advocated for widespread

CCTV installation to deter and solve crimes.

In Batangas City, police officers are major CCTV users,

acknowledging the impact on general security and safety. The

study in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, demonstrated the effectiveness

of CCTV in capturing evidence for accident investigations.

CONCEPTUAL AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The theoretical framework of this study is grounded in

rational choice theory, which posits that individuals weigh

the costs and benefits when making decisions. Rational choice

theory, as applied to CCTV, suggests that the perceived risk

of being caught acts as a deterrent, influencing potential

offenders' decisions. Additionally, the study incorporates

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elements of routine activity theory, asserting that altering

potential offenders' routine activities through CCTV can

reduce criminal opportunities.

RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY

CCTV surveillance is grounded on the rational choice

theory. According to Crawley (2012) and Santos (2017), the

rational choice theory looks at how offenders make decisions

based on participant risks and rewards. A potential offender

may rationally think about committing a crime and weigh up the

risks vowed CCTV camera can dramatically affect an offender's

decision as the risk of getting caught is higher. It is

irrelevant that a may or may not be being remitted, it is the

possibility that they are being watched that is the deterrent,

which produces self-discipline. As Faresden. (2010) stated,

CCTV is one of the technologies that and in crime prevention

and detection. With such a device installed in an

establishment, one can be deterred from committing crimes

because of his feat of being caught. The result is that would-

be offenders may not purse crimes because of the fear of being

caught.

DETTERENCE THEORY

The study is based on the Deterrence Theory by the early

utilitarian philosophers Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham.

This theory believed that unwanted behaviour such as

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committing crimes can be deterred through the threat of

punishment (A. Graham Peace, 2003) Punishment is the cause of

deterrent factor in order to eliminate unwanted behaviour. The

theory of deterrence implies that potential offender will try

to avoid committing crimes areas where CCTV installed because

they will be under surveillance (Deismsinne, 2003 Musiyiwa,

2018) The purpose of this theory is by reduction future

offenders through threats of sanction or punishment. By

punishing the offender or threatening a sanction, it is

expected that they will not carry the wrongdoing once more.

In relation to the study, CCTV can help to attain a

deterrent factor on commission of a crime. According to Piza

2018, closed-circuit television (CCTV) leads to crime

prevention because potential offenders believe cameras may

monitor their activities, putting them an increased risk of

detection and apprehension. Hence, the presence of closed-

circuit television within the business establishment can

discourage perpetrators for committing illegal activities.

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

CCTV can serve as a tool for social learning,

discouraging potential offenders by showing the consequences

of criminal behavior through recorded evidence.The Social

Learning Theory suggests that individuals learn to commit

deviant acts through interaction with their social

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environment,with consequences attached to their behavior.This

theory is applied to various criminal behavior, such as drug

abuse , alcoholism, sexual deviance, suicide,mental

illness,and white collar, professional,organized,and violent

crimes.

Figure 1

Research Paradigm

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1.What are the

impact of cctv in
reducing crimes Knowing the impact
in Sta.Barbara? Interview
Interpretation of cctv in reducing
and analysis crimes at Sta.
Barbara
2.What are the
challenges of
installing cctv
camera?

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This research seeks to delve into the impact of CCTV on

reducing crime in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan, while also

addressing additional dimensions of concern within the

overarching theme. The study will explore the following

research questions:
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1. What is the impact of CCTV in reducing crimes in Sta.

Barbara?

Sub-problems:

a. How do community members perceive the effectiveness of

CCTV in enhancing overall safety?

b. Are there variations in the impact of CCTV on different

types of crimes (e.g., theft, vandalism, assault)?

c. To what extent does public awareness of CCTV presence

contribute to its deterrent effect?

2. What are the challenges associated with installing CCTV

cameras?

Sub-problems:

a. What financial constraints or budgetary considerations

hinder the widespread installation of CCTV systems?

b. How does the topography and infrastructure of the area

affect the feasibility and efficacy of CCTV installation?

c. Are there legal or regulatory obstacles impacting the

implementation of CCTV systems in public spaces?

d. How do socio-cultural factors influence community

acceptance and cooperation with CCTV initiatives?

By addressing these additional dimensions, the study aims to

provide a more comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted

implications and challenges related to the integration of CCTV

for crime reduction in Sta. Barbara.

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SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study holds significance for various stakeholders:

BS Criminology Students: Providing a basis for technological

advancements in crime prevention, aiding students in

interrogating criminal tendencies.

City Government of Sta. Barbara: Serving as a reference for

future research, offering insights into security practices and

management.

Philippine National Police: Offering a foundation for

technology-based security and monitoring strategies to enhance

public safety.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The study is limited to selected police officers and

business owners in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan, focusing on

interviews to generate accurate results. Future studies should

address these limitations for a comprehensive understanding.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

CCTV: Closed Circuit Television - A closed system comprising

video cameras, monitors, and networks for transferring images.

Law Enforcers: Agencies responding to, detecting, and

preventing crime, including police officers. Crime: Illegal

actions punishable by law.

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Interview: A qualitative research method involving questioning

to collect data.

Tranquil: Free from disturbing emotions, serene, placid.

Renowned: Widely acclaimed or highly honored for a particular

skill or achievement.

Surveillance: Close monitoring of a person, group, or thing.

Camera: A device recording visual pictures, such as

photographs, film, or video signals.