Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Surveillance and its Impact on Crime Rates: A Comprehensive Study

This study explores the effectiveness of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance in reducing crime rates in Talibon, Bohol, a rural municipality in the Philippines. Although CCTV is widely utilized in urban areas for crime prevention, its impact in rural settings, where factors such as lower population density and unique crime patterns exist, still needs to be studied. This research addresses this gap by examining the relationship between CCTV surveillance and crime reduction, along with the perceptions of residents and law enforcement officers. The study employed a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design, collecting data from 120 respondents using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation to assess CCTV's perceived effectiveness and actual impact on crime rates. The findings show that CCTV is perceived as highly effective in deterring criminal activities, enhancing public safety, and supporting evidence collection for law enforcement. Specifically, the deterrence of potential offenders and real-time monitoring of public spaces were rated as having the highest impact. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.65) was identified between CCTV's perceived effectiveness and its impact on crime reduction, demonstrating that as perceptions of CCTV's effectiveness increase, its impact on lowering crime rates also strengthens. The study concludes that CCTV surveillance is essential for crime prevention in Talibon, contributing significantly to a safer community. Key recommendations include expanding CCTV coverage in high-crime areas, ensuring regular maintenance and technological upgrades, and fostering collaboration between CCTV operators and law enforcement. Public awareness campaigns and periodic evaluations of CCTV systems are also suggested to maximize their effectiveness in rural areas. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers and local governments in deploying CCTV technology for enhanced crime prevention in rural settings.