Surveillance and Crime, Paperback

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 contextHow 'new surveillance' technologies are shaped by existing social relations, political practices, cultural traditions and organizational contextsThe 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 ageThe 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.