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Security Cameras Coming to Beach High
Wednesday, Dec 05, 2007 - 05:35 PM Updated: 04:31 PM
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Save This PageA reported rape at Beach High School back in August has called even more attention to the need for cameras on campus. It's a concern was addressed by the school board today. They were already planning to install surveillance systems at all of the secondary schools. The board named a contractor to do the installation work at Beach.
They're using E-SPLOST money to install a new surveillance system at Beach.
3 On Your Side Education Reporter, Randi Hempel, spoke with the school's principal about the added security.
“This is one of our cameras that um we have the ability to pan an area.” Groves High School Resource Officer, Tamara Pitts operates the school’s security cameras.
Soon the 1,150 students in the halls and on the Beach High campus will have big brother watching -- similar to what's going on at Groves High.
"it will allow us to have an additional set of eyes as we're doing the work that we do. Our teachers are in class where they're supposed to be and you can't be all places at one time.” Explains Dr. Deonn Bostic-Stone, Principal at Beach High.
Dr. Bostic-Stone says the surveillance cameras will add to security measures already in place...a school resource officer, portable metal detector and random searches every week.
The principal and staff look forward to the stepped up security.
“We want our parents to recognize that safety is our priority and as such ah the surveillance cameras will add that. There's no measure that you can take that is too much when it comes to the safety of our children.” Adds Bostic-Stone.
All of the district's secondary schools will have cameras installed. Outside agencies like police departments will be able to access them to see what's going on in the schools. We mentioned the rape at Beach High School earlier. Campus Police tell us they expect some major developments in the case soon. We will keep you posted on what happens.
Several security measures are already in place in the middle and high schools. 20 of these portable metal detectors were purchased this year. They can be taken anywhere; to sporting or other events where security may be an issue.
E-SPLOST security projects are also in the works at elementary schools with open campuses. Fencing is being installed around Windsor Forest this week. Bartow, Spencer and Gould are next on the list.