We Keep an Eye on You! How High-Tech Security Assets Help Police Forces Make Cities Safer

Crime in metropolitan areas is a key societal issue that can potentially be addressed with emerging technologies, such as Big Data and facial recognition, based on artificial intelligence leveraged in closed circuit television (CCTV). This article uses the novel concept of functional distance on a unique longitudinal dataset comprising 255 758 crime and arrest reports in Baltimore City to shed light on whether low-tech security assets (police stations) and high-tech security assets (CCTV cameras) spatially influence different types of crime. Regression analyses show that both types of assets can reduce crime in metropolitan areas, but this effect is dependent on where in the city these assets are placed. This insight highlights the importance of considering the spatial aspect when investigating how emerging technologies impact on society. CCTV cameras can, indeed, complement police forces, as they multiply their “eyes and ears” and extend them into larger metropolitan areas. Our findings highlight the relevance of emerging technology for advancing society toward a better future. We discuss the implications of our findings for theory, policy, and practice.