Security cameras don't stop violence

Tuesday 05 June 2007

The use of camera surveillance in night-life hot spots does not stop violent and disruptive behaviour but does lead to more arrests, according to researchers at NHL University in Leeuwarden.

Leeuwarden has had camera surveillance since March 2006 and the council asked the university to investigate the effect.

Clubbers are not put off by the cameras, because disruptive behaviour is an emotional reaction and usually affected by drinking, according to the report.

However, because the police constantly monitor the images, they can intervene before any disruption gets out of hand, the researchers said.

The university concludes that cameras are only effective if enough police are available for monitoring and intervention.

© DutchNews.nl

Comments have been closed for this article.