Who buys and controls the CCTV? Back to contents 28 The justification offered for the deployment and use of CCTV networks has consistently been to monitor spaces, prevent and detect crime, particularly theft and fraud, and maintain public order. The installation of CCTVs provides individuals with the impression of being watched, either by powerful entities who could be the owner of a private establishment, security personnel, or, as is increasingly common, the state. While this narrative has inspired heavy investments into the installation of CCTV systems across the board, the enthusiasm around CCTVs is rooted more in their perceived potential than actual impact. The effectiveness of CCTVs is debatable – Norris et al. suggest that ‘It would appear that the global rush to install CCTV in public spaces has also been carried out with little systematic attention to the issue of evaluation. But it is the symbolic value of CCTV that is perhaps most important.’43 It is also telling that the illusion of safety is a crucial component of CCTV adoption – Norris et al.’s research found ‘In different countries, at various moments, crises, triggered by particular events such as a childkidnapping, a class-room murder, a terrorist outrage or rising concerns over crime, will lead to calls for the extension of video surveillance.’ Their findings are consistent with trends observed over the years across multiple jurisdictions. The rush towards increased video surveillance after the 9/11 attacks is testament to this fact, and also applies beyond the USA: prior to 9/11, and after terrorist bombs were planted in London’s financial district in 1993 and 1994, the UK Government installed a ‘ring of steel’ – a network of CCTV cameras – in response.44 This is puzzling given that research on CCTVs has found that except in the case of preventing car theft in parking garages, its use has not been found to reduce violent crime.45 Further, CCTV cameras have little to no impact on controlling crime on university campuses,46 limited efficacy in residential areas,47 and has a disproportionate impact on surveilling communities that have faced historical discrimination.48