Blog

Has Chicago’s CCTV System Helped Lower Crime Rates?

February 24, 2020|fsstechnologies

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.

Speak With a Security Expert Today

Explore Our Other Blogs

FSS_Blog_SmartLocks_Hero

What to Know About Smart Locks

Smart locks have been on the market for several years and continually gain features as technology advances. Learn how useful they can be and how to find the best option for your home or business. What’s a smart lock? Smart locks are door locks controlled digitally. These locks can be monitored and controlled by an…

Continue reading
Hero-afterbreaki-min

What to Do After a Break In

No one ever wants to be victimized by a burglar, but the fact is that many will encounter a theft or break-in at some point in their lifetime. A recent study by Bankrate shows that there are over 1 million burglaries in the United States each year, with a new burglary happening approximately every 26…

Continue reading
convential-vs-addressable_fire-alarms-hero

Addressable vs. Conventional Fire Alarms

When determining what type of fire alarm systems are best for your business, it boils down to your choice between a conventional and addressable alarm system. The combination of smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors work together with your control panel to keep your business safe. Additionally, you will need to determine what kind of automatic…

Continue reading
Hero-manufacturi

Fire Systems for the Manufacturing Industry

Few industries face as many fire safety concerns as manufacturing does, and the consequences of poor fire safety can be catastrophic. From 2017 to 2021, roughly 36,784 fires occurred yearly at industrial or manufacturing properties, causing $1.5 billion in direct property damage. With materials prone to combust or explode, industrial businesses must take extra care…

Continue reading
Hero-inspection-min

What Matters in a Fire Alarm Inspection?

At FSS Technologies, we understand that safety and reliability are paramount when it comes to fire alarm systems. While installing commercial fire safety systems is a critical first step in protecting your business, your efforts can’t stop there. Fire alarm inspections are just as necessary to ensure your building is prepared for emergencies. Learn about what…

Continue reading
2019-01_FSSTechnologies_Blogs_cctv-footage

What Is CCTV Footage?

CCTV stands for closed-circuit television, in which video cameras transmit a signal to a specific, limited set of monitors. Wired and wireless cameras in a CCTV system are usually used for surveillance and security purposes. The footage can help prevent crime, aid in the capture of a suspect if an offense occurs, or serve as…

Continue reading
Hero-Detroit-min

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…

Continue reading
Hero-EntryPoint_Integration

Can Your CCTV and Access Control Systems be Integrated?

When setting up security for your business, you might consider adding CCTV and access control systems. These two security measures work great to deter crime on their own, and provide even greater security when integrated. This pairing has many advantages, but it is also a complex setup that may not be right for you. There…

Continue reading
FSS_DecBlog_VideoVer_Hero-min

What is Video Alarm Verification?

Video alarm verification is a tried-and-true technology that is an underused component in residential and commercial security systems. Video alarm verification adds an extra element to your overall security by partnering your security system with an alarm monitoring center. When an alarm is triggered, video alarm verification allows monitoring center employees to view the situation…

Continue reading
fire-safety-hero-min

Fire Safety for Multistory Buildings

While it can seem similar to homes or businesses, multistory properties have unique demands for fire safety. Whether your property includes a mid-rise condo and business building or multiple low-rise apartment locations, it requires additional care and consideration when evaluating the protection of inhabitants from fire hazards. If a fire breaks out in one section…

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space
chat with us