April 3, 2007
New Haven School Board proposes 'responsible' surveillance solution
For some, video surveillance in schools is a touchy subject. The benefits of video monitoring are plentiful, but how much surveillance is too much surveillance. At what point is a breach of privacy reached?
This is the concern on the minds of school administrators in the Bay Area who are exploring the idea of outfitting the New Haven Unified School District with new video surveillance systems. A surveillance proposal from members of the James Logan High School site council is careful to point out how such a system will not violate the privacy of students or faculty on school grounds.
The policy suggests that cameras be placed in public areas such as the school commons, as well as areas with a history of vandalism. But the use of video surveillance in locker rooms, bathrooms, break rooms, and other private areas is not considered appropriate. The policy also maintains that recordings will not be shared with the police unless the footage is considered evidence linked to a violation of the law. School administrators are hoping that public surveillance cameras will reduce incidents of theft and violence and deter vandalism on school grounds.
Other school site councils have offered support for the James Logan proposal. Additionally, the school board is taking into account feedback from community members as it considers implementing security cameras throughout district schools, and determines where those cameras would be installed. The cost of each camera would be between $10,000 and $15,000.
The New Haven Unified School District already has a policy in place for security cameras on buses.
Read more at InsideBayArea.com...
Posted by Dan on April 3, 2007 9:33 PM | Comments (0)
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