Detection, Deterrence, Docility: Techniques of Control by Surveillance Cameras

In spite of the growing omnipresence of surveillance cameras, not much is known by the general public about their background. While many disciplines have scrutinised the techniques and effects of surveillance, the object itself remains somewhat of a mystery. A design typology of surveillance cameras will be proposed: a) real, functional, visible cameras, b) the non-functional, ‘dummy’, simulated cameras, and c) hidden but functioning, covert cameras. In a brief overview of their uses, several techniques of control are distinguished