WHAT CONDITIONS JUSTIFY INSTALLATION OF SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT?
Surveillance technologies are appropriate when: (1) offenders need to be identified, and their actions documented; (2) hidden areas are attracting problem behaviors that have not been successfully deterred through other measures; and (3) the offenders may be students or staff members, with legal access to the school. Surveillance equipment is a worthwhile investment when documentation of problem behavior and identification of suspects is important. All equipment should be field-tested before purchasing. Lighting conditions, focal length, equipment capabilities, and the weather can all have an impact on the quality of images generated. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras’ greatest strength lies in identifying suspects after the fact. They can also deter some criminal activity. But cameras are not foolproof. They may be targeted by vandals, so they must be installed with this possibility in mind. Premeditated crimes can be planned to avoid the cameras, or offenders can wear disguise
