A study co-authored by Dr Fanqi Zeng has found that the presence of surveillance cameras in Chinese cities has differing effects on how safe residents feel.
Drawing on a novel dataset of over 22,000 Chinese government procurement records for public security surveillance cameras (2013–2017), combined with national household surveys from 2016 and 2018, the researchers found that greater camera expenditure led to higher perceived safety and lower fear of crime – but only among locals.
For migrants, surveillance cameras improved safety perceptions only when supported by strong social ties, with neighbourhood connections proving more effective than distant ones.
The study also found that these effects were influenced by weather conditions and the inclusiveness of the urban environment. Extreme heat or heavy rainfall, for example, can raise local crime rates and weaken the positive impact of surveillance cameras, while good nighttime lighting helps strengthen migrants’ sense of safety. Inclusiveness of the urban environment also corroborates the impact of surveillance cameras.
Co-author Professor Pinghan Liang from Sun Yat-Sen University said:
China has the world’s largest surveillance camera network, with approximately 200 million cameras installed in public spaces by 2018, providing a unique context for examining the large-scale effects of surveillance cameras on public safety perceptions.
Despite widespread adoption to deter crime and maintain public order, little national-level research has examined how these technologies shape public perceptions of safety.
The study shows that social factors such as social connections and cohesion – particularly those formed through close community relationships – are crucial for enhancing people’s feelings of security. Social ties provide timely assistance in dangerous situations and help mitigate the limitations of technology-based safety measures.
Dr Zeng explained:
Our findings show that while public security technologies can enhance residents’ sense of safety, sustainable urban governance ultimately depends on human-centred development.
Integrating technological measures with initiatives that strengthen social cohesion is vital for building inclusive and resilient cities.
These insights have significant policy implications, particularly for identifying and supporting vulnerable groups to improve their security and wellbeing.
The researchers note that migrants’ fear of crime is linked to a broader sense of insecurity stemming from institutional marginalisation. They call for a public safety strategy that reflects the layered nature of safety perceptions among different social groups. Improving migrant integration – through equitable access to services, housing security, and inclusive neighbourhood-building – is essential to strengthening both actual and perceived safety.
