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Education Report
 
 



Eye on School Security: Surveillance Cameras
 
Wednesday, Feb 27, 2008 - 03:43 PM Updated: 07:58 PM
 
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Photo By: Art Ottimo
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By Randi Hempel
E-mail | Biography
If there were surveillance cameras at DeRenne Middle School, maybe the incident on Friday, where bullies corner a student in a classroom, might have been captured by Campus Police.
 
It was caught on someone’s camera phone and posted on the internet, for everyone to see.
 
3 On Your Side education reporter, Randi Hempel, has kept an eye on school security issues for a while now.
 
Security has been stepped up in recent years. It's more than just signing in in the front office and teachers and staff members keeping a watchful eye on students.
 
Technology is to thank for improved security at schools in Tattnall County, which is about an hour west of Savannah.
    
I take a closer look at what’s in place there and show you how it will help in case of a big emergency.
 
“The camera system is real easy to operate” Sgt. Arnie Jones of the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Department shows us the surveillance system at the high school.
 
Sergeant Arnie Jones of the Tattnall County Sheriff's Department has been the school resource officer at the high school for 11 years. In that time, technology has changed.
 
“Technology is definitely growing in the school systems and our school system has made great efforts and our local law enforcement has made great efforts to enhance our technology in dealing with safe schools.” Explains Sgt. Jones.
 
Several years ago, the district received grant money to put in better security systems. Now, Sergeant Jones navigates newer cameras, keeping a watchful eye on what's happening.
 
“It's definitely a deterrent to the kids because they know we have camera systems and they know they work and they absolutely ah hate for their parents to come up here and to observe their conduct.” Explains Sgt. Jones.
 
Sgt. Jones says the cameras are beneficial on a daily basis; catching anything from students skipping class to minor property damage.
    
There are 40 cameras at Tattnall County High School, 13 outside, 4 in the gym and several in the media center and cafeteria not to mention 6 in the commons area. They're all positioned strategically throughout the school in all of the high traffic areas.
 
The room with the monitors isn't the only location district officials have for viewing the visitors, halls and parking lots.
 
“We can choose the school of choice here.  It will load the high school.” Lynna Hilliard, Technology Director for Tattnall County Schools shows us what’s happening on her laptop, miles from the high school.
 
The district has several laptop computers with wireless access to surveillance systems at all 6 of the schools.
 
“Should there be a need to lockdown the school or should we not have physical access to any of the areas within a school, we could connect to the video surveillance system and monitor any of the areas surrounding the school or within the school.” Explains Lynna Hilliard, director of technology for Tattnall County Schools.
 
Law enforcement also has access to the surveillance system...
 
“We have done it for drills but not in real life. We haven't had a real life situation.” Adds Sgt. Jones.
 
Either way, the system is very beneficial.
 
“It gives us a feeling of safety. We know that should there need to be a quick decision made, by any administrator then we have access and the data to make that decision in a timely manner.” Adds Hilliard.
    
Keeping those inside safe. And Hilliard says this eye on school security helps everyone; students, staff and parents to feel safer; knowing the activities in and around the school are being watched.
 
This camera surveillance system saves video for 21 days.
 
All of the secondary schools in Chatham County will have surveillance cameras installed by the start of the next school year. That's going to be paid for with ESPLOST money.
 
Police departments will be able to link into the systems in case there is an incident that needs monitoring.
 
Some schools already have cameras in place. At Groves High School, they have more than 60 cameras. That system is now accessible by district officials via the internet.
 
As for Beach High, the wiring is already in place and about 90 cameras will be installed this week.
 
Temporary cameras are in place at Savannah High School.
 
 
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