Video Security in Schools

With the memories of a spate of school shootings still fresh in the minds of students and educators, schools have brought security to the forefront of their hot-button issues. Although technology can't eliminate violence from schools, it can play an integral role in curbing the frequency with which violent incidents occur--especially when combined with other proactive safety measures.

One of the many technology-based tools that school leaders have at their disposal is video surveillance, which gives campus safety officials an extra set of eyes to watch for signs of trouble. Today's video surveillance technology has improved greatly from the old, analog-based closed-circuit TV cameras. Digital, IP-based surveillance systems can operate on a school's Internet Protocol network, allowing authorized personnel to view images and control cameras remotely from any internet-connected computer. Despite the growing acceptance of video surveillance as a tool to promote safety, however, it remains a controversial practice in educational environments.

With the generous support of Video Insight, we've compiled this collection of stories from the eSchool News archives to help you weigh the pros and cons of video surveillance as a tool in your security arsenal.

--The Editors

 

News Stories

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    Schools’ physical security is improving
    29 percent of districts report that security cameras have had a positive impact on safety

    School districts are improving their physical security, but they might be neglecting the security of their computer infrastructure, if the results of an annual survey are any indication. The average physical safety rating of K-12 school districts improved by 39 percent over 2007, while the average cyber safety rating declined by 25 percent during the same time period, according to CDW-G's "2008 School Safety Index. [ Read More ]

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    Latest trend in school security: Convergence
    Faced with increased security concerns, educators are looking for new ways to improve their campus security systems—and converging physical security tools on their campus computer network is the latest trend they are turning to. [ Read More ]

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    Hidden cameras rile teachers, school board
    A high school newspaper in Newton, Mass., has scored a big scoop, revealing the existence of hidden cameras in the hallways of the town’s Newton South High School. And both the school committee and teachers union want to know why they weren’t told about the cameras, which weren’t yet working. [ Read More ]

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    Surveillance cameras get smarter
    A new development in video surveillance technology, known as "intelligent video," could transform surveillance cameras from passive observers to eyes with brains, able to detect suspicious behavior and potentially prevent crime before it occurs. [ Read More ]

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    Schools turn to technology to bolster their security—but will it help?
    The recent spate of shootings at school campuses has forced school administrators once again to take a close look at their safety and security initiatives. And, not surprisingly, many school districts are turning to new technologies to enable them to say these familiar words to concerned parents, students, school board members, and community residents: "We're doing everything in our power to make sure that we don't have another Columbine on our hands…" [ Read More ]

     

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    Educators mull tech's role in safety
    As school leaders struggle to comprehend recent school shootings, many are asking how technologies such as video surveillance might be used to help prevent—or respond to—such violent attacks in the future [ Read More ]

     

 

Additional resources 

Ten Questions to Ask Before Choosing the Best Video Surveillance System for Your School
http://www.eschoolnews.com/resources/video-security-in-schools/Choosing the Best Video Surveillance System.doc

Christian Product News Article
http://www.eschoolnews.com/resources/video-security-in-schools/Christian Product News Article.doc

Montgomery Alabama School System – a Pioneer in the use of digital video recording and surveillance
http://www.eschoolnews.com/resources/video-security-in-schools/Montgomery Public Schools Case Study.doc