Sir, - I refer to Fergus Finegan's and Jim Larragy's letter (September 19th) regarding the installation of surveillance cameras in the grounds of Trinity College, Dublin. While the proposed installation of (initially) 12 cameras is at the smaller end of the civil installation scale, the nature and environment of TCD (public access etc.) allows comparisons with similar systems already in operation in the UK and for which there are statistics readily available.
The UK Home Office Police Research Group 1994 survey into the Newcastle City CCTV installation reports that since the installation of security cameras, crime and offences against the person in the camera catchment areas were substantially reduced. Burglaries tell by 56 per cent, and vandalism by 14 per cent this together with a 94 per cent level of public support for the same system.
These figures are broadly representative of other research studies and do not indicate a substantive displacement of crime from the catchment areas to adjoining territories. Indeed, the statistics quoted are somewhat biased in that the application of this technology has served to detect crimes which otherwise may have gone unreported.
While I admit to having a vested interest in this aspect of the security industry, I have a somewhat more compelling vested interest in my personal freedom and civil liberties, which I feel that TCD's board of management decision has served to protect and enhance. - Yours, etc.,
(Director),
Pegasus Communications
Ltd.,
Castle Street, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2.