Understanding the true worth of cameras for schools – safer learning, positive values
by Jamie Barnfield, Sales Director, IDIS Europe
For our children, schools should be some of the safest and most trusted places in the world, just as they were for us.
Unfortunately, in some areas, schools are becoming less safe and there is a heightened awareness of risks, with reports of serious incidents ranging from bullying to active shooting. A study by YouthTruth found that issues like bullying remain unacceptably high in the US, highlighting the need for better security.
But the market growth for security solutions doesn’t really reflect this need. According to IHS, the security solutions market in education is expected to reach $2.8 billion by 2024 from 2017 at a CAGR of just 1 percent. This is because many of the schools in the US have already installed solutions like surveillance cameras after incidents such as the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook.
In the US, it’s sadly understandable that shooting incidents eclipse other important issues that should be higher up the agenda, including bullying, disruptive behavior and sometimes drugs use. In Europe shooting incidents aren’t the main concern at all, which allows greater focus on these other issues. But whatever the main reason for deploying video surveillance, just having cameras in place alone isn’t going to solve the problems.
Bullying, theft, and searching for evidence
Although not as appalling as active shooting incidents, problems with bullying, theft, disruptive behavior, intrusion and the presence of drugs on school grounds should be taken seriously. In the UK it’s recognized that in some schools these problems can take up too much time for over-stretched teaching staff, reducing the time available for teaching and lesson preparation. Head teachers can be forced to suspend pupils in the event of serious incidents being alleged – pending attempts to investigate - and the result is usually stress and lost time for everyone involved and an impact the wider school community.
Top-quality IP security surveillance cameras offer the best possible solution to this problem. With continuous recording, and a well-designed pattern of camera coverage, evidence of any incident should be rapidly available. Where there is no room for dispute, time and energy will usually be saved.
But there is still a catch. Issues like bullying are often not reported immediately. They will come to light days or even weeks after an incident, and security managers (or more often, teachers and school administrators) will have to comb through hours of footage to investigate the matter. In such cases, a surveillance system with meta filtering will help to save time and effort. With this, authorized teaching staff can search for specific incidents, objects or people using keywords.
Allowing access to surveillance video, real-time, through portable devices like tablets and smartphones is also potentially of great value. The easier it is for school leaders to see what’s going on around the site, the faster they can be in stopping issues from escalating. This was a major benefit that the Fazakerley High School in Liverpool observed after upgrading from its legacy systems to a high quality, end-to-end IP solution.
Intruders, active shooters, and real-time alerts
Active shooters continue to be the single biggest reason for schools in the US to ramp up their security measures. These measures begin with the monitoring of outdoor areas for intruders. While outdoor bullet and PTZ cameras may be used for this to get long range, large areas like playgrounds need fish-eye and wide-lens cameras.
But to stop an intruder on their tracks, real-time alerts are critical. The system should be able to warn security managers of suspicious people or activities in each area. Continuous human monitoring was once considered a solution to this but is far from reliable as human beings are susceptible to fatigue and distractions.
The arrival of artificial intelligence, however, has changed everything. AI-based solutions make use of neural networks for quick detection, identification, and verification of incidents to provide instant response while reducing false alarms. These make it easier for schools to take proactive steps to mitigate threats.
The need for low-light surveillance
A major misconception is that schools need protection only during the day when there is adequate light for cameras to capture footage without any difficulty. However, in truth, students often stay after hours to engage in extra-curricular activities or clubs.
Surveillance cameras that can function effectively in low-light conditions are, therefore, essential for fully protecting school communities. IR-enabled night vision cameras and low-light enhancer are the answer to this problem.
Complying with regulations
Despite the security concerns that incidents like gun violence raise, there will always be a few school authorities who are slow to step up their security efforts and use the latest technology available. Governments have generally recognized the need to regulate, to compel schools to address these risks.
Different countries, states and regions have different requirements of course and its’ sometimes left to local authorities to set out the mandatory measures. But using a top-notch IP surveillance camera that functions in different conditions, and provides reliable footage, is a common requirement in most jurisdictions.
Beyond security to holistic development
Surveillance cameras are no longer just about security. When Fazakerley High School installed cameras, their motive was not just security but also to promote higher standards of personal behavior. In some cases, recordings can also help teachers evaluate the way they’ve dealt with problems, or the effectiveness of their teaching methods.
Of course, schools should be aware of the privacy laws that apply to them and make sure their surveillance systems are in full compliance. In Europe, this starts with GDPR. Across the pond, in the US, different states have different rules, each of which needs to be carefully studied and adhered to.
But get it right, and video surveillance should be a positive tool that makes a real difference for both teachers and the children they care for.
