Unveiling the Efficacy: Examining the Influence of Public Surveillance Cameras on Crime Rates

Abstract

The importance of surveillance cameras in policing and security is hard to overstate. It can potentially enhance the operational capacity of law enforcement agencies by deterring crime and supporting investigation and prosecution. Now, it is possible to employ new, cost-effective technologies that can aid police in controlling the crime rate. Surveillance cameras have become an integral part of policing and security in Lahore. This study provides the first evaluation in Pakistan that examines the effect of surveillance cameras on crime. We have used ‘15’ emergency helpline data and interrupted time series analysis to explore the impact of surveillance cameras on crime in Lahore. We found a statistically significant reduction in street crime in the short run, but no reduction was found in the long run. This could result from ineffective technology implementation or cameras installed only on a few major roads within Lahore. Further cost-benefit analysis of such technologies is required to take spillovers and the number of arrests into account to obtain more precise estimates.