Surveillance and Crime
- Roy Coleman - University of Liverpool, UK
- Michael McCahill - University of Hull, UK
Key Approaches to Criminology
Surveillance has a long-standing relationship with crime and its identification, prevention, detection, and punishment. With information on each citizen spanning up to 700 databases and over 4 million CCTV cameras in the UK alone, many have put forward the notion that we live in a 'surveillance society'. This book critically explores this notion in relation to the development and uses of surveillance technologies, the intensification of monitoring and control, and the uneven impact this is having upon different populations in modern society.
Offering a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between surveillance, crime, and criminal justice, this book explores:
- The development of surveillance technologies within a broad historical context
- How 'new surveillance' technologies are shaped by existing social relations, political practices, cultural traditions and organizational contexts
- The implications of the use of surveillance in responding to crime (including biometrics, DNA samples and electronic monitoring)
- How 'new' surveillance technologies reinforce 'old' social divisions – particularly along the lines of class, race, gender and age
The book draws upon theoretical debates from a range of disciplines to shed light on this topical subject. Engaging and authoritative, this is an important read for advanced students and academics in criminology, criminal justice, social policy, and sociology.
This book is useful as both an introduction to Criminology and an Introduction to Surveillance Studies. The Section on The Historical Foundations of Surveillance was particularly good, and in general the language and style is accessible and easy to follow. I would recommend this book for any undergraduate studies of Surveillance
This text provides a detailed analysis of crime, power and social control. With surveillance being unavoidable in contemporary society, this is a must read
Surveillance & Crime offers undrgraduate students an accessible text that deals with the complexities of surveillance and its effects. In particular, readers are directed to the 'net widening' technologies of contemporary surveillance systems and 'non-state' surveillance methodologies. The interaction between formal systems and informal systems of control are presented as an ongoing thread that maintains a focus on the effects on those who are subject to broad ranging systems of conceptual and practical methodologies.
An excellent text for students of criminology/sociology interested in surveillance studies.
good book
Good book
Crucial reading in times of increased surveillance and control in society. It provides students with the context of its development and an examination of risk together with useful critiques on the power and prevalence of surveillance and its use by politicians in policy and constructing relations.
This is an excellent text that will prove to be very useful for our level 5 students undertaking a module: Crime in an Operational Context. I am keen to introduce 'Surveillance' as a topic choice for the module and the students will be directed to this text. The text will be added to our recommended list for the module.
A useful text which is appropriate for this varied Unit.
I have requested my librarian to order copies and the text is added to our reading lists, as well as recommendations to students. Thank you.
