Introduction to Surveillance Studies

EFFECTIVENESS OF SURVEILLANCE

KEY CONCEPTS

• cost/benefit considerations

• inconsistent results from empirical studies

• controversy about the effectiveness of surveillance

Introduction

The effectiveness of surveillance depends partly on technical capability and appropriate installation, and partly on the administration and operation of a system. Sometimes public acceptance and cooperation is required, as well. When governments use taxpayer money to surveil taxpayers, there may be discontent or significant opposition. When corporate surveillance moves toward intrusive monitoring, such as implanting chips on employees to track them 24/7, most citizens complain to lawmakers.

Surveillance devices are often installed based on marketing promises ...