Contrasting Perceptions of Video Surveillance and Security Patrols in Quasi-Public Spaces
26 Pages Posted: 2 Jul 2018
Date Written: June 27, 2018
Abstract
Business owners employ a variety of security and surveillance techniques to keep their property safe from crime and, in some cases, the threat of terrorism. Given the many security measures available to business owners, it is beneficial to understand how such security measures stand in the eyes of the public. This is especially relevant for proprietors that operate large venues and complexes (e.g., shopping plazas, sports arenas) that, due to their size and traffic, function more similarly to large public spaces than individual places of business. We assessed the attitudes of n=860 respondents regarding two commonly employed security techniques (CCTV surveillance and uniformed security guards) in shopping malls and stadiums. Perceptions of both techniques were generally favorable, though respondents perceived uniformed security guards as safer and less invasive of privacy. Respondents also believed security guards were more effective at deterring crime and terrorism, while CCTV surveillance better allowed for identifying and apprehending suspects after a crime. We discuss the results’ implications for proprietors’ choice of security techniques and the role that public perceptions play in such decisions.
Keywords: security, counterterrorism, psychology, public, privacy
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