Proposed placement model for public CCTV systems in student safety zones considering surveillance probability on pedestrian streets

Abstract

This paper proposes a placement model for closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to effectively monitor criminal activity on pedestrian streets in student safety zones in South Korea. Although pedestrian streets around schools are potential crime sites, the legal management of and supervisory responsibility for these areas are ill-defined. The increasing demand for public supervision in student safety zones requires the effective control of high-cost CCTV systems. The rational choice perspective and routine activity approach can be used to explain attackers' preferences for criminal activities and the accompanying situational characteristics. Surveillance conditions differ depending on the pedestrian flow and immediate environment. The spatial properties derived from the pedestrian street network affect pedestrian flow. In addition, visibility of the physical environment affects natural surveillance and mechanical surveillance. Quantitative research is presented on the needs for surveillance considering these properties, and a placement model for public CCTV cameras is proposed that uses a genetic algorithm. Following an analysis of surveillance conditions, the model provides information describing the placement and mechanical operation of surveillance cameras. CCTV cameras are routinely installed in student safety zones; the proposed model should contribute to the effective planning and installation of these cameras.