CCTV of street prostitution in Switzerland.

Abstract

At the beginning of 2005, a decision was taken to close off during the night-time the biggest street prostitution area in Switzerland, namely the 'Industriestrasse' in the city of Olten (17,000 inhabitants). Before however, it was not so much the prostitutes that made this street renowned, but three dome cameras that were installed in 2001 by local police forces. This project was not only meant to 'discipline' and make the street safer for prostitutes, but also to increase the image of the city as a whole by reducing its negative press headlines.