ANALYSIS OF THE USEFULNESS OF VIDEO MONITORING RECORDS FOR THE PURPOSES OF IDENTIFYING THE PERPETRATORS OF HOMICIDES

Abstract

The article presents content related to the assessment of the usefulness of video monitoring for the identification of perpetrators of homicides as well as qualifying it as an important element of crime prevention. It presents the impact of the growing tendency of mass use of public space monitoring systems on the increased sense of security and control over situations which may threaten society. Moreover, the issues related to a perpetrator’s awareness of the inevitability of preserving their image by means of visual monitoring and its impact on the manner of their conduct as well as the possible withdrawal from committing a prohibited act have been signalled. The article also attempts to explain the reasons for the long-term impunity of some killers from the 1960s to the 1980s in relation to the lack of certain technological solutions, and especially the lack of video surveillance in areas where it is commonly used today. The article also covers the current legal solutions allowing for the legitimate collection of images from video monitoring, including those related to the protection of personal data in connection with the processing of images of the perpetrator.