I recently blogged about the use of video surveillance to protect children from abductions at daycare centers.
This post is about the use of video surveillance to protect teachers in the classroom.
It is well document that video surveillance is increasingly being used in school systems. Here’s just one example of actions being taken in Texas.
Video surveillance at the entrances and exits of schools and the common areas (lunch rooms, parking areas, hallways, etc.) is an increasingly common approach to security and risk management in school systems. Here are some reasons why—beyond the obvious desire to protect the children.
Security Cameras Can Protect Teachers
There are numerous cases every day when teachers are falsely accused of abusing a child or acting unprofessionally in regard to students. In these situations, video recordings can be reviewed to prove that the teacher handled the situation properly and can even exonerate them in the case of false accusations.
We are starting to see more instances of video surveillance being used in the classrooms as well.
Initially, some teachers have a negative reaction to the use of cameras to monitor classroom activity. They may feel like they are being spied on or that the cameras are an invasion of privacy. However, once teachers realize that the video surveillance can also protect them from false claims, their attitudes change and they warm up to the idea.
The privacy or spying concern is easily addressed with an appropriate school policy and password-restricted access to both limit who can access the video recordings and under what conditions the surveillance video footage can be viewed. In practical terms, the video recordings would be available if and when needed, but never reviewed unless there is a reported incident with a child.
Cameras Can Deter Bad Behavior
Additionally, if the school policy on video surveillance is clear and the cameras are obviously present, older students can be deterred from bullying or abusive behavior.
If students know that their activities are being recorded, it greatly reduces the likelihood of the student attacking or abusing a teacher or other students. The presence of cameras actually act as a deterrent in these cases.
When parents are aware that video footage exists to preempt and/or document abusive behavior by other students or adult employees, the possibility of unfounded claims against the school and its staff should be less likely. In the event a claim is made, the video footage can provide strong evidence toward what actually happened on the date and at the time in question.
To schedule a free consultant with Vulcan Security Systems to discuss how IP video surveillance can help protect your school and daycare staff and organization call 1-205-290-9404 today.
Vulcan Security Systems service area extends throughout the greater Birmingham, Alabama metro area and across Central and North Alabama.
