Improving Safety and Security in Our Schools
by PETER YOUNG
Director of Technology
Rockford Public Schools
Implementing security cameras in school systems these days is a pretty common approach to improving safety and security for both staff and students.
This summer, Rockford Public Schools will be in the process of implementing new security cameras throughout the district. The project will be funded from our 2008 bond issue, not general operating funds. We will be deploying over 80 new digital cameras from our elementary to our secondary buildings, as well as our administrative facilities. These new cameras will replace existing analog cameras and now will be connected and managed through the district’s network. In fact, we will be able to monitor these cameras from any location with a device connected to the Internet. A limited number of users will be granted access to monitor these cameras.
The security system upgrades will increase the number of cameras from 20 to over 80 in order to monitor general public areas, both inside and outside the buildings. These devices will predominately focus on main entrances, building corridors and the perimeters of the buildings. The new cameras will all be high resolution with multiple viewing degrees and equipped with the ability to incorporate microphones to pick up audio as well.
Rockford Public Schools will be improving our student and school community security by implementing new digital cameras while expanding the area of visibility at each district facility. Our improved security initiative will provide a safe and secure environment through the placement of surveillance devices, and still allow for future expandability.
Comments by our Readers