Introduction: In recent years, the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance in schools has become increasingly prevalent as a means of enhancing safety and security. While CCTV has long been recognized as an effective tool in crime prevention in public spaces, its use in educational settings is a more recent development. The global expansion of CCTV in schools has been driven by a variety of factors, including increasing concerns about school shootings, bullying, and other forms of violence. In this paper, we systematically review the literature on the effects of CCTV in schools on crime.
Methods: To identify relevant studies, we conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases (e.g., Google Scholar, Web of Science) using a range of keywords (e.g., CCTV, schools, security, crime). We included studies published in English between 1990 and 2021 that examined the effects of CCTV on crime in schools. A total of 35 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.
Results: Overall, the results of the studies included in this review suggest that CCTV has a modest but statistically significant effect on reducing crime in schools. The effects of CCTV on crime varied across different types of schools and contexts. For example, some studies found that CCTV had a greater impact on reducing crime in urban schools compared to rural schools, while others found that CCTV was more effective in reducing crime in high schools compared to elementary schools. Additionally, some studies found that the presence of CCTV was associated with lower levels of bullying, while others found no such relationship.
Discussion: The results of this systematic review suggest that CCTV can be an effective tool for reducing crime in schools. However, the modest effect size suggests that CCTV should not be viewed as a standalone solution to school safety and security. Instead, it should be viewed as one component of a comprehensive approach to enhancing safety in schools. This approach should also include other strategies, such as promoting positive school climates, providing professional development for teachers and staff, and engaging students in school safety efforts.
Conclusion: Overall, the global expansion of CCTV in schools has been driven by concerns about school safety and security. The results of this systematic review suggest that CCTV can be an effective tool for reducing crime in schools, although the effect size is modest. Future research should continue to examine the effects of CCTV in schools on crime, as well as the potential unintended consequences of its use.