The effects of CCTV cameras in controlling crime around Kampala. A case study of Kamwokya

Abstract

The main aim of this research work was to examine the effects of CCTV cameras in controlling crimes around Kampala and Kamwokya division in particular. The research process was guided by the following specific objectives; to establish whether demographic and socio-economic factors are associated with knowledge on importance of CCTV cameras, to establish knowledge on whether there are specific times when crimes are likely to be committed, to examine the relationship between the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system and crime prevention, and to examine the relationship between the facial recognition system and crime prevention. The study was quantitative in nature and a cross-sectional survey was employed when collecting the data from the field of study. This research targeted individuals located within Kamwokya division whose population was unknown. Therefore, Cochran’s formula of sample size determination was used to select a sample of 54 respondents for this study. Out of the 54 targeted respondents, only 89% individuals responded to the issued survey questionnaires. The drop and pick later method was used when administering the questionnaires, as it is appropriate and convenient for the researcher. The Study used the Multivariate Regression Analysis to assess the extent to which CCTV cameras contribute in controlling crime. The key independent variables used were; specific times when crimes are likely to be committed, ANPR system, and facial recognition system with crime control as the dependent variable. Results revealed that The age groups 20-29 years, 30-39 years and above 40 years were found to be statistically significant with probabilities p=0.000, p=0.003 and p=0.001 respectively, and the odds ratios suggesting that, the older a person is, the more likely they are to be knowledgeable of the importance of CCTV cameras. Furthermore, respondents who had completed tertiary level of education (p=0.000) and those that had acquired other education certifications (p=0.002) were statistically significant except respondents who had completed only the secondary level of education (p=0.637). The study therefore recommends that, policy implementers should pay more attention to CCTV cameras and dedicate more resources to the technology when drafting the national budget, so as more of the benefits identified such as speeding investigation processes and storing evidence can be realized in all parts of the country.