The use of closed circuit television cameras controlled by the Malta Police in Paceville to detect and reduce crime

Abstract

It is evident that there is little research assessing the efficacy of Closed Circuit Television System (CCTV) in Paceville, to observe and reduce wrongdoing and being controlled by the Malta police. This study analyses what establishment owners have to say about having CCTV systems in their area. The zone being studied is Paceville St. Julian’s where, according to Formosa (2015) the risk of criminality is very high. The research approach uses the triangulation method, by adopting the quantitative and qualitative method. A set of questions were prepared, personally distributed and later on, these questionnaires were personally picked up. Another set of questions were emailed to the newly appointed agency the Local Enforcement System Agency (LESA). The replies from the agency were emailed back to the researcher. The area established as indicated in the Malta Environmental and Planning Authority (MEPA) maps and the objective of the researcher is to obtain information as to whether it is feasible to put up a CCTV system in the area in reducing and detecting crime. The results do indicate that establishment owners are in favour of reducing crime. A high percentage of respondents do agree that a CCTV system needs to be set up. The majority are in favour of the setting up of a police station in the centre of Paceville. A respectable number of respondents agree that there needs to be continuous uniformed or plain-clothes police presence in Paceville. Establishment owners are in favour of assisting in making Paceville free from any form of criminality however, they are reluctant to forge out financial assistance, as expenses on the day-to-day running of their establishment are high.