The debate on CCTV is moving

It's really encouraging to see the CCTV debate shifting. 

Today's Ross-Shire Journal carries a story about CCTV in Scotland, prompted by the recent splurge on yet more cameras, an issue about which we've written previously. 

The Journal reports that

Professor Mike Press, who has spent the last decade studying how design can contribute to crime reduction, used the Freedom of Information Act to uncover some eye-popping statistics revealing the rapid expansion in use of closed-circuit cameras in Scotland.

They show that Scotland now has 2,235 public CCTV cameras and mobile cameras compared to 1,269 six years ago…

Prof Press… claims CCTV systems can give residents a false sense of security and has gone so far as to call for a moratorium, arguing that evidence suggests they are of limited value in many cases. He claimed in a recent interview that their use is politically motivated and questioned the impact they have on civil liberties.

With which, we at Big Brother Watch would entirely agree.

The Journal also reports that

The Scottish Government has pledged a review of CCTV.

We will certainly watch this closely and report back on the results.

Finally, the piece also contains a reasoned and thoughtful response from the area's police commander, Chief Inspector Mike Coats:

There's a fine line and cameras clearly do not replace police. Without them, we would need more cops. You have to look at the most effective use of taxpayers' money.

Spot on.

By Alex Deane