Many school districts have had video surveillance systems installed in their schools, even before the Columbine tragedy. Despite that disastrous event, among others that have occurred very recently, installing surveillance systems have proven to help deter crime, gather evidence for inappropriate behavior and actions not otherwise obtainable without video, and provide a sense of security for students, faculty and parents.
Although such systems may be at a high cost, and will need to fit into the school districts budget, it is something to be considered b
y the schools and parents. A valid concern about setting up a camera surveillance system in a school is the privacy of the students and faculty. However, these security cameras should only be installed on the outside of the school buildings, such as entry ways. Informing the faculty and staff exactly how and where the cameras would be installed would lessen any apprehension in considering this step of ensuring safety for schools. Due to privacy and other issues, legalities and restrictions of installation of security cameras should investigated.