Staffordshire Police

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is a valuable tool in the fight against crime. As well as helping solve crimes and prosecute offenders, its presence can reassure communities.

It plays an invaluable part in the reduction of disorder, allowing officers to be directed to potential hotspots to dispel minor incidents before they have a chance to escalate.

CCTV is often maintained and funded by a partnership consisting of local authorities and businesses. In this way, it is a tangible demonstration of the police, local authority and businesses working together to make communities safer.

As well as assisting with detection, CCTV can also act as a deterrent. A building or an area with CCTV installed becomes a less attractive target if an offender is aware that his or her actions may be observed and recorded. Public support for CCTV is strong. People appreciate the importance of CCTV in the prevention and detection of crime and may lobby for its installation in areas where anti-social behaviour is an issue.

CCTV also contributes greatly to the fight against terrorism. Its value as a surveillance tool is immeasurable. Being able to monitor suspicious behaviour gives the police and the security services a greater ability to stop terrorist activity in its tracks and protect the public from harm.