THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY IN CRIME PREVENTION: A POLICE PERSPECTIVE

This study investigated the role of CCTV in crime prevention from the perspective of police personnel in Nigeria. The findings revealed that respondents generally acknowledged the effectiveness of CCTV in deterring crime, aiding police investigations, improving response time, and fostering public trust in policing. However, several challenges hinder its optimal utilization. Chief among these are inadequate funding, poor maintenance culture, unstable power supply, and, to a lesser extent, privacy and ethical concerns. The study also revealed a strong public demand for the expansion of CCTV nationwide, with respondents perceiving it as more effective than traditional patrols but not as a substitute for physical policing. These perceptions suggest that CCTV is valued as a complementary tool in crime prevention, enhancing but not replacing human policing. Overall, the study highlighted a dual reality: CCTV has significant potential for enhancing crime prevention in Nigeria, but systemic challenges such as infrastructural deficiencies, weak maintenance systems, and inadequate resource allocation limit its effectiveness. 5.2 Conclusion The findings of this study demonstrate that while CCTV is an important tool in modern crime prevention, its success in Nigeria depends not only on technological deployment but also on addressing systemic and institutional weaknesses. Respondents recognized CCTV’s deterrent and investigative benefits, aligning with global evidence of its effectiveness. However, the limitations observed point to a need for holistic reform. It is evident that CCTV alone cannot solve Nigeria’s crime challenges. Its effectiveness is contingent on integration with human policing, adequate training of personnel, and consistent maintenance and monitoring. In essence, CCTV should be viewed as part of a broader crime prevention strategy that combines technology, human intelligence, and community participation