1

EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF CCTV SURVEILLANCE IN

ENHANCING CRIME PREVENTION AND PERPETRATOR
IDENTIFICATION IN THE SELECTED BARANGAYS IN STA. ANA,
PAMPANGA

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

Evaluating the Efficacy of CCTV Surveillance in Enhancing Crime Prevention and

Perpetrator Identification in the Selected Barangays in Sta. Ana, Pampanga

A Thesis Proposal

Presented to the School of Criminal Justice

Holy Cross College

In partial fulfillment

of the requirements for the degree

Bachelor of Science in Criminology

Palabasan, Honie Grace G.

Palomique, John Norman

Que, Sopi May S.

Reyes, Kim Denver P.

Santos, Judan Christian T.

December 2023
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EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF CCTV SURVEILLANCE IN
ENHANCING CRIME PREVENTION AND PERPETRATOR
IDENTIFICATION IN THE SELECTED BARANGAYS IN STA. ANA,
PAMPANGA

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is used to watch and capture images in real time

of events occurring locations (Duncan & Piza et al., 2018). Over the past thirty years,

the use of CCTV surveillance camera systems has increased globally. These networks

are widespread and dense in some nations and regions. CCTV systems can be deployed

for a variety of reasons, including deterring theft in retail establishments, monitoring

traffic patterns, and keeping an eye on sporting events. However, their primary function

is to prevent crime, which is why many people choose to install them (Matczak et al.,

2019).

Welsh and Farrington (2008) studied how well CCTV works to lower crime in public

areas. After synthesizing 44 studies, the majority of which came from the US and the

UK, they discovered that CCTV has a statistically significant but modest effect on crime

and that it is especially useful at lowering vehicle crime, such as car theft and break-ins,

in parking lots and garages. There is no proof that a decrease in violent crime is

associated with CCTV. In comparison to the United States, the United Kingdom's

CCTV received stronger support from the results.

The use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance cameras to deter crime in

public spaces has increased significantly and steadily in the United States and other
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EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF CCTV SURVEILLANCE IN
ENHANCING CRIME PREVENTION AND PERPETRATOR
IDENTIFICATION IN THE SELECTED BARANGAYS IN STA. ANA,
PAMPANGA

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

Western countries in recent years. An evidence-based approach is becoming

increasingly necessary to guide CCTV policy and practice in the face of this growth, the

corresponding public spending, worries about their effectiveness, and social costs. An

updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of CCTV on crime in public

spaces are presented in this paper. In cases where CCTV was the primary intervention,

evaluations were incorporated, and the design exhibited a superior level of

methodological quality. The inclusion criteria were met by forty-four evaluations. The

findings imply that, when comparing experimental areas to control areas, CCTV

significantly but modestly reduced crime (16%). The efficacy of CCTV programs in

parking lots played a significant role in this outcome. It led to a 51% drop in crime

(Welsh & Farrington 2009).

One of the most important questions raised by the "internationalization” of the many

public and private contexts in which CCTV might be employed is whether or how it

lowers crime rates (Thomas et al., 2021). These places include parking lots, cities and

town centers, public housing, populous neighborhoods, hospitals, and retail

establishments (Thomas et al., 2021). As per Piza et al.'s (2019) thorough and

methodical assessment and meta-analysis of CCTV camera impact on crime, the most

up-to-date data suggests that CCTV cameras are associated with a notable, albeit

marginal, decrease in incidence. The effect of CCTV cameras on crime varies according

to a number of factors, such as the location, the kind of crime, the monitoring method,
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EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF CCTV SURVEILLANCE IN
ENHANCING CRIME PREVENTION AND PERPETRATOR
IDENTIFICATION IN THE SELECTED BARANGAYS IN STA. ANA,
PAMPANGA

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

the person conducting the monitoring, the use of other interventions, and even the

country of origin (Piza et al., 2019).

According to Philippine National Police reports, in 2020 alone, there were over

500,000 crimes recorded in the nation. Because of the high crime rate in the Philippines,

the deployment of CCTV cameras has become very crucial. As a result, a lot of people

and companies have decided to purchase CCTV cameras to increase safety and

discourage crime (Sharma, 2023).

Prevention of criminal activity is one of the main advantages of CCTV cameras.

Since they are aware that their actions are being filmed, would-be criminals may be

deterred from committing a crime when they realize that cameras are installed.

Furthermore, the CCTV footage can be utilized as evidence to help identify and

apprehend the offender if a crime is committed (Sharma, 2023).

Factors like image quality, storage capacity, and networking options should all be

considered when selecting a CCTV camera in the Philippines. Present-day cameras can

be made much more effective with the addition of sophisticated capabilities like motion

detection, night vision, and remote access. In general, the Philippines has made

considerable progress in enhancing safety and reducing crime through the deployment

of CCTV cameras. These cameras are going to get much more advanced and popular in

the future as technology keeps running its course (Sharma, 2023).

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EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF CCTV SURVEILLANCE IN
ENHANCING CRIME PREVENTION AND PERPETRATOR
IDENTIFICATION IN THE SELECTED BARANGAYS IN STA. ANA,
PAMPANGA

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

CCTV cameras have a long history of reducing crime, but only for certain types of

crimes and in certain places (Piza et al., 2019). Most importantly, when CCTV cameras

are used in conjunction with other interventions like community outreach, police

patrols, or lighting, they have the greatest impact on reducing crime (Piza et al., 2019).

The importance of having Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) plays a vital

contribution in street crime prevention and perpetrator identification which serves as a

deterrent, quick response, reduced fear of crime, providing valuable evidence,

enhancing community safety, and supporting Barangay Police in identifying and

addressing criminal activities in each barangay with a less foot patrol.

In line with this, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of having CCTV cameras in

each barangay. Although CCTV cameras can contribute to crime prevention, crime

mapping, and improved community safety, they also raise concerns about the privacy

and misuse of CCTV. The impact of it depends on how CCTV systems are being

managed, implemented, and balanced with privacy and ethical considerations.

Additionally, this study also aims to determine if street crime has been reduced

compared to the past five years with the help of CCTV.

The researchers believe that evaluating the efficacy of CCTV surveillance in the

municipality of Sta. Ana, Pampanga should begin with the fundamental foundation of

the barangay police to determine the effectiveness of CCTV surveillance in crime

prevention and perpetrator identification in the municipality of Sta. Ana, Pampanga.

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EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF CCTV SURVEILLANCE IN
ENHANCING CRIME PREVENTION AND PERPETRATOR
IDENTIFICATION IN THE SELECTED BARANGAYS IN STA. ANA,
PAMPANGA

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

In its most limited sense, the researchers' ultimate objective is to contribute and give

recommendations to the municipality of Sta. Ana, Pampanga. With the help of the data

requested from the Sta. Ana Municipal Police Station regarding the crime rate of the

said municipality, the researchers will determine who among the fourteen barangays in

Sta. Ana, Pampanga will be included in the five highest crime rates. So that the

residents of Sta. Ana, Pampanga will understand the importance of the CCTV in

maintaining peace and order, crime prevention and perpetrator identification 24/7.

Finally, this study will help future researchers for an additional reference, like the

CCTV surveillance in enhancing crime prevention and perpetrator identification.

Literature Review

CCTV Surveillance

CCTV is intended to increase formal surveillance by making it less difficult for

police (or other government agencies) to monitor citizens' (including potential

offenders') behavior. CCTV is designed to discourage crime by increasing the risk of

criminal behavior being detected. CCTV footage can also be used for identifying

suspects in crimes committed in the presence of a camera (Piza, 2018).

Crime Prevention
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EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF CCTV SURVEILLANCE IN
ENHANCING CRIME PREVENTION AND PERPETRATOR
IDENTIFICATION IN THE SELECTED BARANGAYS IN STA. ANA,
PAMPANGA

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

In terms of crime deterrence, potential offenders are made to reconsider their actions

before committing a crime by the potent deterrent that CCTV cameras provide against

criminal activity (Sharma, 2023).

According to the Public Safety and Crime Prevention (2022), the primary goal of

local public safety and crime prevention efforts is to ensure that the nation’s cities and

towns provide a safe, healthy environment in which residents can live. To achieve this

goal, federal, state, and local officials must view the safety of the community in holistic

terms. Officials must recognize the danger of focusing exclusively on prevention,

intervention, response, or punishment. Public safety efforts are more likely to result in

safer communities if all solutions are integrated into a single strategy.

Perpetrator Identification

CCTV cameras can help identify the perpetrators of a crime when someone watches

the film and can improve the likelihood that illegal activity will be detected (Aballe et

al., 2022).

CCTV footage can help ascertain whether a particular individual was involved in the

crime or knew anything about it. Furthermore, as Ashby (2017) suggests, CCTV

cameras record footage that can be beneficial for an investigation, increasing the

likelihood that the perpetrators will be found. This makes them important evidence for

the conduct of a crime.

Effectiveness of CCTV in the Decreases of Crime Rate

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EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF CCTV SURVEILLANCE IN
ENHANCING CRIME PREVENTION AND PERPETRATOR
IDENTIFICATION IN THE SELECTED BARANGAYS IN STA. ANA,
PAMPANGA

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

CCTV was linked to a significant decrease in crime, according to the meta-analysis

in review one. Overall, it was discovered that, in comparison to locations without

CCTV, crime had dropped by 13% in a variety of contexts. Out of the 76 studies, three

indicated a statistically significant rise in crime. The studies in review one examined the

impact of CCTV on various forms of criminal activity. According to the meta-analysis,

drug-related crimes decreased by 20% (six studies) and car and property crimes

decreased by 14% (23 studies and 22 studies, respectively) in locations with CCTV

compared to those without CCTV.

Alertness or Response of the Barangay Police

Across the nation, barangay enforcers are leading the charge in preserving law and

order in every barangay. The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of

knowledge that barangay police safety officers possess when carrying out their assigned

tasks. The purpose of this research is to ascertain the demographic profile of the

participants, their degree of awareness regarding their responsibilities and duties, the

role of the first responder, and the patrolling and hazard identification tasks (Aydinan,

2021).
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EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF CCTV SURVEILLANCE IN
ENHANCING CRIME PREVENTION AND PERPETRATOR
IDENTIFICATION IN THE SELECTED BARANGAYS IN STA. ANA,
PAMPANGA

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

Theoretical Framework

This study is anchored to Routine Activity Theory in relation to the theory developed

by Lawrence E. Cohen and Marcus Felson (1979). According to this theory, there must

be three things for crime to happen: an available and suitable target, a motivated

offender, and a suitable guardian who can prevent crime (Bottoms and Wiles, 1997;

Kitteringham, 2010). Each of these elements must exist for a crime to occur. In relation

to the study, closed-circuit television (CCTV) might serve as a defender to discourage

criminal activity. CCTV cameras may prevent crimes by eliminating any of those

components, according to Tilley (1993) and Brown (1995). CCTV increases the

perceived threat, which can deter criminal motivation. According to Cohen and Felson

(1979), the use of CCTV systems increases the presence of capable guardians, making

people feel safer. The cameras will simulate a human being observing their actions by

acting as a mechanical replacement for human eyes. Consequently, it demonstrates how

CCTV has become a common tool in contemporary societies all over the world for

preventing crime.

This study follows the theory of Routine Activity in such a way that the function of

the CCTV surveillance is very necessary in determining the effectiveness of the selected

barangays in Sta. Ana, Pampanga, and provides resolution for crime prevention and

perpetrator identification. Wherein, people can easily be deprived of the opportunity to

commit crime in the presence of capable guardians, which is CCTV surveillance.

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EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF CCTV SURVEILLANCE IN
ENHANCING CRIME PREVENTION AND PERPETRATOR
IDENTIFICATION IN THE SELECTED BARANGAYS IN STA. ANA,
PAMPANGA

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

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EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF CCTV SURVEILLANCE IN
ENHANCING CRIME PREVENTION AND PERPETRATOR
IDENTIFICATION IN THE SELECTED BARANGAYS IN STA. ANA,
PAMPANGA

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of CCTV surveillance in crime prevention

and perpetrator identification in the selected barangays of Sta. Ana, Pampanga.

1. Level of
Specifically, this study
effectiveness of sought to answer the following questions:
CCTV surveillance
in 1. the Whatselected
is the level of effectiveness of CCTV surveillance in the selected
barangays of Sta.
Ana, Pampanga,
barangays of Sta. Ana, Pampanga, with a high crime rate in terms of:
with a high crime
rate in terms of:
a. Crime Prevention1. Development of
a. Crime Prevention
b. Perpetrator Survey
Questionnaires
Identificationb. Perpetrator Identification Reduction of crime
c. Alertness or 2. Validation of rate as a result of
Response of the
c. Alertness survey
or Response of the Barangay Police additional
Barangay Police questionnaires installation of CCTV
d. Decrease of Crime 3. Administration of cameras in the
Rate d. Decrease of Crime Ratesurvey municipality of Sta.
2. Relevance and questionnaires Ana, Pampanga
2. of
benefits What are the
the use of relevance 4.
and benefits
Data of the
Analysis anduse of CCTV surveillance in crime
CCTV surveillance Interpretation
in crime prevention
preventionand perpetrator identification in the barangay?
and perpetrator
identification in the is CCTV surveillance in the reduction of crime rates?
3. How effective
barangay.
3. Effectiveness of
CCTV surveillance
in the reduction of
crime rates.
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EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF CCTV SURVEILLANCE IN
ENHANCING CRIME PREVENTION AND PERPETRATOR
IDENTIFICATION IN THE SELECTED BARANGAYS IN STA. ANA,
PAMPANGA

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

METHOD

Research Design (DRAFT)

The study used correlational-survey research to evaluate the efficacy of CCTV

surveillance in the selected barangays in the municipality of Sta. Ana, Pampanga, by

using survey questionnaires to evaluate the efficacy of CCTV within their locality in

terms of crime prevention and perpetrator identification. Correlational research is also

used in this study to show the relationship between the effectiveness of CCTV to crime

prevention and the perpetrator identification.

Sampling and Participants (DRAFT)

In this study, the researchers will use purposive sampling to evaluate the

effectiveness of CCTV in terms of crime prevention and perpetrator identification in the

selected barangays of Sta. Ana, Pampanga. The researchers use purposive sampling

because their main objective is to gather data containing the crime rate in the

municipality of Sta. Ana, Pampanga, then select five barangays that have the highest

crime rate among the fourteen barangays.

To acquire reliable and sufficient data, the respective residents of the following

five barangays in the municipality of Sta. Ana, Pampanga will serve as the respondents

for data gathering, specifically Barangay A, B, C, D, and E.

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EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF CCTV SURVEILLANCE IN
ENHANCING CRIME PREVENTION AND PERPETRATOR
IDENTIFICATION IN THE SELECTED BARANGAYS IN STA. ANA,
PAMPANGA

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

Inclusion Criteria (DRAFT)

The researchers have set certain criteria in determining who would be the

participants in this study. Chosen respondents must possess the following set of criteria

to participate in the study:

● He or she must be a resident of the Municipality of Sta. Ana, Pampanga,

either Barangay A, B, C, D, or E.

● A Barangay Police who must be working at the said barangays for not less

than 2 years.

Instrument (DRAFT)

To evaluate the efficacy of CCTV surveillance in enhancing crime prevention

and perpetrator identification in the selected barangay of Sta. Ana, Pampanga the

researchers will use the street survey questionnaire created by Minnaar (2008: 1) that

served as the basis for the researcher-assisted self-completion questionnaire (RASCQ),

which was used in the study. To answer survey questions, respondents must understand

the question, recall pertinent information, assess the relationship between the

information they have obtained and the question, and express their answers (Bowling,

2005, 67). In comparison to those done independently questionnaire (SCQ) RASCQ

reduces the cognitive load associated with question comprehension as the researcher in

this study answered respondents' questions, read and clarified questions to the
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EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF CCTV SURVEILLANCE IN
ENHANCING CRIME PREVENTION AND PERPETRATOR
IDENTIFICATION IN THE SELECTED BARANGAYS IN STA. ANA,
PAMPANGA

HOLY CROSS COLLEGE

respondents, and used images (of CCTV cameras on a cellphone) to help respondents

understand the survey questionnaire used in this study.

Data Collection Procedures (DRAFT)

The researchers will adhere to the correct protocol for data collection, starting with

the Dean of the School of Criminal Justice's approval and continuing through the actual

data collection and organization.

Initially, the researchers will provide a request letter signed by their adviser and the

Dean of the School of Criminal Justice, to ask for permission to carry out the study of

school property. Second, once the request letter has been approved, the researchers will

personally deliver it to the Sta. Ana Municipal Police Station to obtain the crime rate of

each barangay in Sta. Ana, Pampanga, the site of the study, and request permission to

distribute the survey questionnaire to the participants. In compliance with the terms of

the data, informed consent will be obtained.