The Effect of CCTV on Prisoner Misbehavior

Abstract

Despite the widespread use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) in prison, few studies have explored its effect on prisoner misbehavior. Research was conducted to explore two research questions: (a) Does CCTV have a greater preventative effect on nonviolent than on violent prisoner misbehavior? and (b) Does CCTV have a greater preventative effect on planned than on unplanned violent behavior? Data were obtained on the 1,116 incidents involving aberrant prisoner behavior that occurred at four prisons in Queensland, Australia, during a 6-year period. Findings indicate that violent and unplanned misbehavior was relatively more likely to occur in view of CCTV coverage than was nonviolent and planned misbehavior. The implications for the prevention of aberrant inmate behavior and for researchers' understanding of the impact of CCTV on violence are discussed.