When Graham Baffour Adumata heard about a stabbing incident at Winnipeg’s Millennium Library, the first thought that crossed his mind was, “It could have been me.”
Adumata, a U of M sociology graduate and a regular visitor to the Millenium Library, then found himself reflecting on the role of surveillance in public spaces. “I know that there are CCTV (closed-circuit television) in public spaces. So, I asked myself, couldn’t this CCTV or the personnel there intervene to prevent such an occurrence?”
That question became the foundation of his master’s research. The research explored how people in Winnipeg perceive CCTV surveillance in public spaces. It particularly focused on how surveillance relates to people’s sense of safety and whether it influences their behaviour or not.
Adumata said his work was shaped by personal experience and frequent media reports of crime. “Every now and then, you will hear of people being stabbed and you will see […] people breaking into shops,” he noted. These concerns, he added, motivated him to examine whether surveillance acts as a deterrent to crime.
Through interviews with participants from different backgrounds, the study revealed that individuals interpret surveillance through the lens of their lived experiences.
“Winnipeg is a multicultural society,” Adumata said. “People have different opinions about surveillance.”
One Indigenous participant described CCTV as a tool of oppression, while another participant, who identified as White, considered it a normal aspect of public life. A third participant of African descent referred to CCTV as an “unseen eye,” expressing discomfort with “being watched 24/7” despite not engaging in any wrongdoing.
According to Adumata, participants who had lived under strict government systems tended to view surveillance more critically, often associating it with state control. Some described it as a tool used to monitor and control the population, while others said the constant presence of cameras made them feel objectified, as if they had to justify their presence in public spaces.
There were also noticeable differences based on gender. While not the central focus of the study, Adumata observed that female participants were more likely to view CCTV positively.
His study showed women feel CCTV “will maybe serve as a form of evidence after a crime has been committed [against them],” he explained. Some participants said they felt safer knowing a camera was nearby, noting that individuals who are sober and aware of their actions may back off when they see a camera.
Male participants “felt that it would be difficult for people to attack them because they can fight back,” so to them it did not matter if there was a CCTV around or not, he said.
Although, “surveillance has become part of modern societies,” the research revealed concerns about the misuse of surveillance data and the potential for racial bias. Some participants in the study questioned the individuals reviewing the footage and the standards used to label certain behaviour as suspicious.
Participants also stressed the need for accountability, with several calling for stronger data protection measures. For many, the issue was the lack of transparency around who monitors the footage and how decisions are made.
One participant suggested including people from diverse backgrounds in surveillance roles to help reduce bias. This is “so that there will be a holistic surveillance,” to avoid targeting a particular group of individuals. The idea was if monitoring is dominated by a single group, there is a risk of reinforcing stereotypes and misjudging behaviour based on preconceived ideas.
The placement of cameras also came up frequently. Participants suggested CCTV is often installed in high-traffic areas rather than in locations where crime is more likely to occur, such as alleyways or back entrances of buildings.
Others felt that CCTV should not be used as a “stand-alone” crime prevention tool — cameras need to be supported by other measures.
Some participants believed “there should be police on the road, monitoring others. There should also be adequate lighting […] regular checks on the surveillance cameras to know that they are working,” Adumata explained.
Adumata’s research revealed that CCTV is often seen as a symbolic gaze, one that influences behaviour in line with social or religious norms. It showed that public perceptions of surveillance are shaped by a combination of personal safety concerns, socio-cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs and broader trust in public institutions. “Surveillance goes beyond cameras and technology,” Adumata confirmed.
He hoped his findings will encourage policymakers to consult communities before installing surveillance systems and to adopt strategies that are responsive to people’s concerns.
