Should Public Schools Install Video Surveillance Cameras?

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Recommended: Prevention of school shootings

"Smile, you're on Candid Camera." This was the catch phrase for the television show Candid Camera. The show filmed unsuspecting people in embarrassing and hilarious positions while their reactions are recorded on a hidden camera. Surveillance cameras are video cameras or close circuit TV (CCTV), which is used for the purpose of observing an area. There are several major concerns on school campuses. The two main concerns on school campuses are safety and security. With school violence on a steady rise, schools are force to resort to many safety and security measures including metal detectors, security guards, and surveillance cameras. Besides academics, protecting the students at school is a top priority to many parents, school administrators and teachers. Incidents of violence are gangs’ activities, drug deals, theft, assaults, and defacement of school property. These occurrences are taking place in some form in every school campuses. To aide in the defense of school violence, many schools are installing or adding video surveillance cameras. This leads to the topic question: Should Public Schools install Video Surveillance Cameras? Public Schools should install Video Surveillance Cameras. With over 14th years experience as a school teacher, I can attest to how video surveillance cameras have made a positive impact in school safety and security. With the passing of the School Safety Enhancements Act on 17 September 2008, $50 million was allocated to purchase video surveillance equipment for schools. Finley states “currently, more than 75% of all new schools in the United States are being equipped with video surveillance systems.” The intent of this research paper will illustrate the pros and cons of surveillance camer...

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...ages and disadvantages of surveillance cameras, surveillance cameras plays a very important role on school campuses. I strongly advocate the installations surveillance cameras on school grounds. Surveillance cameras on schools campuses have been very successful. It is my opinion, there is no other option but to have surveillance cameras installed. By having these surveillance cameras student safety would be ensured, school vandalism would decrease, and the number of students cutting class would be lowered. Surveillance cameras would also serve as a deterrent from violent behavior by students. Although there are definite advantages to using surveillance cameras, we need to balance the need for safety and security with respect for the individual’s privacy and freedom. Surely, when a student is caught on camera, we can say "Smile, you're on Candid Camera."

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