I Choose Safety

Districts Weigh Privacy vs. Security Concerns with School Cameras

Today I read an article concerning the placement of security cameras in schools. The issue was in reference to who should have access to view the camera footage. Should school cameras be viewed by the local police department? In the article one student made the statement, "police officers shouldn't be involved with what's going on in schools. That's what the teachers and Principal is for." Sorry, but I disagree. In my opinion when a student enters a school, it is the responsibility of the school to keep the child safe. Schools aren't always able to catch something on tape, so if the police department provide another set of eyes, I don't see a problem.

In my previous school, we had a camera system in place. If a incident occurred, for example a fight in the hallway, the Principal would review the tape and the student(s) would be punished. This was really helpful when students refuse to "snitch" on their friends or when a victim was scared to tattle on a bully. After numerous years at the school I began to notice that some of the students became unafraid of the cameras and began to commit harsher crimes. Some crimes involved drugs and weapons. In this situation law officials should be involved.

The article also stated that in order for anyone to view camera footage they have to have written approval. Once this is produced, access is granted to watch the tape in the presence of the Principal. I like the fact that there is a school official present with the police officer because they can watch and make sure that there is no misuse of the information.

As a parent, I like the fact that there are two people watching my child, the school and the police. In the crowded hallways and lunchrooms of school my child's safety is more important than their privacy.