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Surveillance Cameras in Schools post by top-shoppingmall.com

Two main concerns on school campuses are safety and security. Out of the many safety measures available, including metal detectors and security guards, surveillance cameras are the most controversial method. However, the controversy has not stopped schools from using cameras to solve their security problems. The percentage of U.S. public schools that used one or more security cameras rose from 19 percent in the 1999-2000 school year to 55 percent in 2007-2008, according to the National Center for Education Statistics’ report “Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2010.”

What Are Surveillance Cameras?

Surveillance cameras are placed in one or more areas inside or outside a school building, monitoring activity as it takes place. These cameras can have features like pan, tilt and zoom. Different types of surveillance cameras include analog systems of closed circuit television monitors, and Internet-based systems with digital surveillance cameras connected to a Web network. Digital systems are more expensive than analog systems, but they can make video storage, recall and viewing on multiple monitors easier.

IP Security Camera (Sony CCD,Ceiling Mount)

Product Notes

• It is possible to install multiple units of I63 within the same Local Area Network
• Please use a cross wired ethernet cable to connect the IP camera to your computer if you wish to change the default IP address. Normal ethernet cable can only be used to connect the I63 to a hub/router/switch
• We recommand using Internet Explorer (version 6.0 or newer) to access the web control interface. You will also need to install the Active X files from the CD to be able to view the camera.
• To help transfer images with good speed and quality, captured video is compress in H.264 standard to save bandwidth and minimise lose of detail.
• The I63 comes with the System Auto Recover feature and support for variable streaming rate for more speed and stablilty in performance

Weatherproof Night Vision CCTV Super HAD Sony CCD Camera (NTSC)

Product Notes

• It is possible to install multiple units of I63 within the same Local Area Network
• Please use a cross wired ethernet cable to connect the IP camera to your computer if you wish to change the default IP address. Normal ethernet cable can only be used to connect the I63 to a hub/router/switch
• We recommand using Internet Explorer (version 6.0 or newer) to access the web control interface. You will also need to install the Active X files from the CD to be able to view the camera.
• To help transfer images with good speed and quality, captured video is compress in H.264 standard to save bandwidth and minimise lose of detail.
• The I63 comes with the System Auto Recover feature and support for variable streaming rate for more speed and stablilty in performance

Benefits

Placing surveillance cameras in schools brings peace of mind to students and teachers. This peace of mind allows students to concentrate on their studies and creates a sense of safety and authority that can improve how students, teachers and outsiders treat the facility. The main benefit of surveillance CCTV cameras is deterrence. According to Lynn Bryant writing for Video Surveillance Guide, people are less likely to commit a crime if they know they are being watched. In fact, John Buckley, director of management and operations in the Medford, Mass., school district, said that five area schools using cameras reported a dramatic drop in crime.

Another benefit is that surveillance cameras provide evidence when a crime is committed. Students are more likely to admit their involvement, and parents are more likely to accept their child’s guilt if there is video evidence. Furthermore, schools can save money in the long run by using surveillance cameras. School security personnel are able to do more job-specific work, and the reduced burglaries and vandalism will save money from insurance premiums.

Drawbacks

Though surveillance cameras can save schools money, initial cost is often a significant drawback. Surveillance systems can cost $30,000 or more for the equipment, testing and installation, and schools will need to budget for future maintenance and upgrading. The other main objection to these cameras is invasion of privacy. Opponents fear that administrators will use cameras to profile students, following certain students because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, appearance or beliefs, although there is no documented proof of this happening. Opponents also think that cameras will reinforce a climate of fear and distrust between school officials and students.

Considerations

Before installing surveillance camera systems, schools should make sure this is the right option for their needs. Some schools might need cameras more than others, depending on their location, risk and history of being a target for crime. Schools should make sure the system provides the information they need and include these and other requirements in the purchase agreement.

Schools should also investigate legal concerns and create a clear understanding of where and how they will use the cameras to ease people’s fear of cameras invading their privacy. Cameras should not be put in areas where students and staff expect privacy and schools should not record audio, which opponents see as an even greater Fourth Amendment rights violation than video recording.

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