What Is the Purpose of CCTV in Public Space?

The rapid growth of CCTV in public space in France, from the time of the presidential elections in 2007, has not been the object of scientific evaluation. This article provides a case study using field research in a small town equipped with a CCTV system considered as an good example by local government. The research showed that the CCTV provided neither reductions in crime nor deterrence of youth delinquency, and that it had no effect on the level of recorded crime. The study also showed the phenomenon of displacement. It allowed us to measure the contribution of CCTV to the work of the judicial police, showing that it made a real but limited contribution. At the end, the CCTV seemed essentially to be a tool for towns to manage localities, with few links with the local policies of security and prevention. The author comments on the political aspects of success with this technology, showing that it constitutes a political resource both for the government which urged its general adoption and for those localities wishing to show they were taking action, all of which indicates links with the rapid growth in the security industry.