Do Cameras Prevent Crime Activity or Are They a Waste of Money?

Security cameras are ubiquitous these days, appearing in everything from department stores to video rental stores. But do cameras prevent crime substantially?

Although it is generally accepted that cameras are a deterrent to crime, more research exists on whether cameras reduce crime. The answer to that question, based on the results of surveillance systems in major cities, seems to be yes.

For example, when the Chicago Police Department (CPD) installed a Web-based surveillance program in February of 2006, the cameras helped police make 1,200 arrests in a year-and-a-half time period.

"Our preliminary research shows that they are effective, especially left in places for over 180 days," explained Jonathan Lewin, the commander of the CPD's information services. "Once it's in, it's hard to move because the community loves it. If they don't see the camera there one day, we get calls."