Implementation of video surveillance in crime control

Abstract

Modern trends in crime control include a variety of technological innovations, including video surveillance systems. The aim of this paper is to review the implementation of video surveillance in contemporary context, considering fundamental theoretical aspects, the legislation and the effectiveness in controlling crime. While considering the theoretical source of ideas on the implementation of video surveillance, priority was given to the concept of situational prevention that focuses on the contextual factors of crime. Capacities for the implementation of video surveillance in Serbia are discussed based on the analysis of the relevant international and domestic legislation, the shortcomings in regulation of this area and possible solutions. Special attention was paid to the effectiveness of video surveillance in public places, in schools and prisons. Starting from the results of studies of video surveillance effectiveness, strengths and weaknesses of these measures and recommendations for improving practice were discussed.

Savremene tendencije u kontroli kriminala uključuju različite tehnološke inovacije, među kojima je i video-nadzor. Rad je posvećen razmatranju primene video-nadzora u savremenim uslovima, sa aspekata teorijske utemeljenosti, zakonske regulative i delotvornosti u kontroli kriminala. Prilikom izlaganja teorijskih izvorišta ideje o primeni video-nadzora, prednost je data konceptu situacione prevencije koji je usmeren na kontekstualne faktore kriminala. Na osnovu analize relevantnog međunarodnog i domaćeg zakonodavstva, ukazano je na zakonske osnove primene video-nadzora u Srbiji, na nedostatke u regulisanju ove oblasti i moguća rešenja. Posebna pažnja je posvećena delotvornosti primene video-nadzora na javnim mestima, u školama i zatvorima. Polazeći od rezultata studija efektivnosti video-nadzora, razmotrene su snage i slabosti ove mere i date preporuke za unapređivanje prakse.