Security cameras deter trouble

Date: 15/10/2005
Source:
Author: -

Sarracino Middle School has nine new security cameras to deter problems and allow staff to review footage for evidence if necessary.

The last two cameras took longer to get working than the others, but the whole system has been operating for about a month, said principal Chuck Zimmerly.

He said most of the cameras are in hallways, some are outside and none are in classrooms.

"They're certainly more to watch the building than to watch the children," he said.

Zimmerly said student behavior was quiet before the school installed cameras and has been since.

He said the middle school got cameras because they proved useful at Socorro High School for detecting activity at night.

"When the building's unoccupied, it's a nice feature; if something happens, we can go back and see," he said, adding the cameras are something one hopes to never have to use.

He expressed more interest in using knowledge of the motion-activated cameras as a deterrent than in getting evidence from the footage. However, staff members have reviewed the tapes for a graffiti incident and after a small food fight.

Zimmerly also said he could use the footage in such situations as finding out who left a door open to remind them to be more careful.

Though the views from all nine cameras show on a monitor in the school's main office, no one watches them constantly. Administrators can, however, see hall traffic during class changes if they are busy and don't want to walk around the halls, Zimmerly said.

Assistant principal Jean Walker said the students are convinced the cameras will tape any misbehavior.

"I know that the children are fascinated with them," she also said. "They like to come into the office so they can watch them."

Students expressed differing opinions about the new system.

"I don't like it. Because they invade our privacy," said eighth grader Savanna Smith.

Eighth grader Amberli Benavidez said she thinks "it's good to make sure people go to class, make sure they're not ditching." Being taped doesn't bother her because the cameras are in hallways instead of classrooms, she said.

Benavidez also said she's glad the school has security cameras to "make sure we're good kids."

New Mexico history teacher Alan Edmonson said he's in favor of things like cameras in places where a lot of students gather.

"I think that the cameras are like having another set of eyes looking out for students' safety," he said.

Edmonson also said he thinks the cameras are another step toward a safe school.

This article may be reproduced as long as the source Footprint Home Security is provided as a link.

Back to Free Expert Advice

Back to Footprint Home Security