The Impact of Correctional CCTV Cameras on Infractions and Investigations: A Synthetic Control Approach to Evaluating Surveillance System Upgrades in a Minnesota Prison

Abstract

Internal surveillance systems have long been used by prisons to combat misbehavior. Yet, limited research has focused on cameras’ preventive potential, failing to examine their utility in investigations. Using comparative interrupted time-series analyses and synthetic control methods, this study evaluates the impact of upgrading a surveillance system in a prison’s housing unit on total infractions and infractions resulting in guilty dispositions. Upgrades were two-phased, allowing us to examine the differential effects of replacing outdated cameras versus installing new cameras. One comparison unit came from the same facility as the treatment unit, while the other was synthetically generated from units in other prisons. We found limited evidence that the interventions reduced infractions, though there was a stronger link between the interventions and an increase in guilty dispositions, particularly from the installation of new cameras to reduce blind spots. We discuss the implications of these findings for policy and research.

The Impact of Correctional CCTV Cameras on Infractions and Investigations: A Synthetic Control Approach to Evaluating Surveillance System Upgrades in a Minnesota Prison

“…Similarly, one study estimated that up to four percent of people in prisons are expected to experience one or more incidents of sexual victimization during their stay (Beck et al, 2013). Individuals who commit infractions in prison are also more likely to continue offending after release (Brunton-Smith & Hopkins, 2013; Preprint to: Lawrence, D. S., Peterson, B. E., . The Impact of Correctional CCTV Cameras on Infractions and Investigations: A Synthetic Control Approach to Evaluating Surveillance System Upgrades in a Minnesota Prison.…”

Can body-worn cameras reduce injuries during response-to-resistance events in a jail setting? Results from a randomized controlled trial

“…Not only do they provide a direct account of what transpired between COs and incarcerated residents (Neff et al, 2023), they also bring with them a sense of oversight. Most correctional institutions are already saturated with existing stationary cameras that were specifically implemented to deter resident misbehavior and aid CO investigations of misconduct incidents (Allard, Wortley, & Stewart, 2006, 2008Debus-Sherrill, La Vigne, & Downey, 2014;Lawrence, Peterson, Robin, & Shukla, 2022). While incarcerated residents, family members, or advocacy groups can file public records requests for stationary camera footage on uses of force or other incidents, there are roadblocks to fulfilling these requests due to the security risks and privacy considerations associated with correctional settings (Prison Policy Initiative, n.d.;Chamberlain, 2020).…”