AN ASSESSMENT ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION CAMERA IN AID OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Abstract

Technological advancement has greatly transformed modern life, making it more convenient and efficient. Among its many contributions, one notable innovation is the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system. CCTV cameras play a crucial role in enhancing security by providing continuous surveillance to protect individuals, property, and infrastructure. Acting as a force multiplier, these systems allow for broader and more effective monitoring than what could be achieved by security personnel alone. The study adopts a descriptive research design and utilizes purposive sampling to select participants from Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City. The respondents include 15 police officers, 15 barangay personnel, 5 CCTV operators, and 15 residents. This research aims to explore the benefits of using Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras as a tool in criminal investigations, to enhance surveillance strategies to improve public safety and security. Data will be gathered through a structured questionnaire, which will be distributed to the respondents and collected upon completion for analysis. The data collected provided valuable demographic insights, indicating that most respondents were male, aged 21 to 25 years, and held a bachelor’s degree. Respondents rated the effectiveness of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City as "Strongly Agree" across key areas, including real-time monitoring, cost-efficiency, wide coverage, continuous recording, and integration with other technologies. The most commonly encountered issue was related to suboptimal camera angles. To improve the effectiveness of CCTV systems in supporting criminal investigations, respondents recommended installing cameras in high-crime areas and ensuring proper positioning to maximize coverage and capture critical details. It is recommended to improve camera placement, upgrade surveillance technology to address lighting and visibility issues, and foster stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. These measures aim to maximize the effectiveness of CCTV systems. By harnessing technological advancements and resolving operational limitations, law enforcement can enhance their investigative capabilities and further strengthen public safety and security.