Video surveillance in the function of crime prevention in open urban public space

Abstract

The problem addressed in this paper is related to the role that video surveillance plays in preventing security breaches, and primarily in preventing crime in open urban public spaces. Therefore, the basic assumption is that video surveillance has a positive effect on the prevention and reduction of crime in the above-mentioned spaces - which are generally available to all, unlimited and free of charge, and which are "covered" by video surveillance. Based on the analysis of the content of relevant literature, the author researched and presented the relevant concepts of open urban public spaces, and pointed out key security issues, especially undesirable and/ or sanctioned acts that may endanger the security, public order and/or peace of these spaces. Further, the mechanisms for the prevention of security breaches were presented, and especially video surveillance conducted by public institutions and the private sector. The use of video surveillance brings both benefits and limitations that the author noticed, and presented as also an important goal of this paper. Considering all the above, the expected result of the work is a clear presentation of the role of video surveillance in open public urban spaces, and a clear distinction of what are the benefits and what are the limitations that this type of surveillance brings.