According to the National Center for Education Statistics' Indicators of School Crime & Safety 2008 report, during the school year 2005 - 2006, 43% of K-12 public schools used security cameras. That number was up from 36% in the 2004 - 2005 year and installations continue to grow across the country. The majority of schools have some kind of video installed, but very few are using it as effectively as they could.

All too often, schools rely on vendors to tell them where they should install cameras - these are usually the most obvious locations, which may or may or may not be the key problem areas at a particular school. Even when video coverage is provided, many schools are monitoring video only after an incident occurs, rather than using it proactively. Here is a list of five ways you could be using your video, but probably are not.

Five Ways You Could Be Using Your Video


1) Shape up the cafeteria
Cafeterias can be the site of theft of food, bullying or simply unwanted behavior. An eye in the cafeteria helps "remind" students to be on their best behavior, bus their own trays, avoid food fights, and treat others with respect.

2) Lock up at night.
Pre-save and review each evening live views of groups of cameras covering doors, windows and other sensitive areas to make sure they are properly closed and locked. Make it part of the nightly lock-up process for administration, staff or facilities maintenance crews to follow. Using video builds a consistent process that evaluates the same key points every night. It also makes this process easier since the review can take place remotely rather than in-person. Lock-up may not be exclusively making sure the doors are locked, but may be making sure fire doors are closed, that obstructions are removed from the hallways or that all the lights were turned off.

3) Deter inappropriate behavior
Inappropriate behavior of a more serious nature is of extreme importance to administrators. Sexual activity on campus, gang violence and fights among students can have serious implications and must be carefully monitored. Surveillance cameras strategically placed can reduce or eliminate opportunities for these kinds of behaviors. Popular fight spots, underneath staircases, and multipurpose rooms can all be monitored to notify students that those who engage in these activities will be caught and prosecuted. Activities that are not deterred can be investigated.

4) Improve pick-up/drop-off
Bus queues and carpool areas can be a cesspool of safety hazards. By monitoring these areas, administrators can identify inefficiencies and implement processes to improve operations or identify potential safety hazards that need to be addressed through policy changes or training. The result is safer traffic flow, greater efficiency and a generally more pleasant drop-off and pick-up experience for bus drivers and parents.

5) Monitor your drills
The process of conducting drills - whether fire or evacuation or tornado - can become rather lackadaisical. Video can spice up drills, allowing security professionals or administrators to review these drills and also throw in "curve-balls" to evaluate true effectiveness. By blocking an exit door or putting out an unexpected obstacle, administrators can review video of drills and determine preparedness. The results could be life-saving!