Has Chicago’s CCTV System Helped Lower Crime Rates?
It’s been 19 years since the Chicago Police Department (CPD) kicked off its pilot of Police Observation Devices (PODs). Today, there’s a network of 50,000+ surveillance cameras in use all over the city.
But Are They Working?
This simple question has no simple answer.
According to the Chicago Police Department, in some areas, narcotic related crimes dropped by 76%. However, a recent article in the Chicago Sun Times states that Chicago neighborhoods saw one of the most dangerous years ever in 2021.
These findings track with a 2006 finding by the U.S Department of Justice that video surveillance is only effective at preventing certain types of crime, such as deterring property crimes like theft and vandalism, but not violent crimes.
Additionally, a 2008 study conducted by the city of San Francisco and the University of California at Berkeley concluded that while crimes decreased within 250 meters of “open street” surveillance cameras, they increased beyond 250 meters. They found that CCTVs were effective in small, contained areas like parking garages, but weak deterrents in open spaces.
However, a New York Times Article from 2018 details that in some neighborhoods with higher crime rates, such as Englewood, they saw crime rates drop 52% compared to the year before. The article quotes Chicago’s police superintendent, Eddie T. Johnson, in saying, “The idea [behind CCTV] is to put the technology in the hands of the officer,” which they have done by adding surveillance centers to 13 of the 22 police stations around the city.
A recent study by the Rand Corporation concludes that CCTV can be an effective tool but should not be considered a total solution. The CPD’s POD system is most effective when used in conjunction with other tools such as predictive analytics and public outreach programs.
What Does This Data Mean?
While crime rates in Chicago have gotten better since the introduction of the city’s large CCTV surveillance system, Chicago still recorded more homicides than both New York and Los Angeles combined in 2016. The Chicago Police Department is continuously improving its CCTV network, but whether it’s residential or commercial, having a CCTV system installed with security monitoring services will provide even more peace of mind.
CCTV should be a tool in your home-security arsenal, but not your entire home security solution. The trained professionals at FSS Technologies can help you determine the best security system for your home and family, and ensure the system is installed correctly and serviced regularly.
Explore Our Other Blogs
Where Should Fire Alarm Pull Stations Be Located?
While they generally go unnoticed until a moment of need, a fire alarm pull station is an integral part of a business or large residential building’s fire alarm system. What Is a Fire Alarm Pull Station? As opposed to a smoke detector or sensor, human intervention activates pull station alarms and is the catalyst for setting off…
Smoke Detectors for the Hearing Impaired
What are Visual Fire Alarms? If a fire breaks out, occupants of a building may have as little as two minutes to get out before the fire becomes life-threatening. Fire alarms provide an early warning notification and alert people to evacuate, but what if you are deaf or hearing impaired? How do you know there…
Will CCTV Work Without Internet?
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is a TV system where the signal isn’t publicly broadcast but is watched and monitored, usually for surveillance and security purposes. From city streets and highways to retail stores and banks, CCTV cameras are placed in most places to protect property and deter crime. Learn whether a commercial CCTV system can work…
Most Common Causes of House Fires
A house fire can be a life-altering event that some may never fully recover from. The best way to protect your home and family from a fire is to educate yourself about the risks and how to prevent them. We all know the essential forms of prevention and protection, like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers,…
Best Small Business Security Systems
While no two small businesses are the same, they share commonalities when it comes to what they want in a security system. Most small business owners want to do three things: Protect their people, property, and assets from fire Protect their people, property, and assets from theft See what is happening in their business even…
Winter Commercial Fire Safety Tips
While fire safety and prevention are crucial year-round, unique fire hazards accompany winter’s freezing temperatures. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that many holiday-related factors contribute to an increased fire risk during the winter months, and commercial settings are just as vulnerable. Besides creating and reviewing company-wide fire safety procedures, here are 4 tips…
The Safest Neighborhoods in Detroit
Low-Crime Neighborhoods of Detroit SafeWise released its rankings of Michigan’s 20 Safest Cities of 2021. On the 2021 list, 9 of the 20 cities are considered suburbs of Detroit. They include: Gross Ile Township #3 Oakland Township #4 Huntington Woods #9 South Lyon #13 Addison Township #16 Highland Township #17 Rochester #18 Berkley #19 Brandon Township…
What to Do if Someone Breaks into Your House
Arriving home to find that your home has been burglarized is one of the worst feelings someone can have. You’re left feeling raw, vulnerable, and angry. In this time of high stress, it may be hard to put your thoughts together to remember everything that now needs to be done. We have put together a list…
8 Home Security Tips
With more than 45 years of experience in the home and business security industry, here are our top eight tips for discouraging intruders and burglars from targeting your home. 1. Create the illusion that someone is at your house. If you are going to be gone for an extended time, leave a light or TV…
Why Security Camera Installation Should Be Left to the Professionals
Why You Should Hire a Professional Security Camera Installer Type of equipment you choose. The number of cameras you want to install. Where the equipment needs to be installed.