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Lee's Summit R-7 School District to enhance security by adding surveillance cameras at schools
01-07-10
Lee's Summit R-7 School District to enhance security by adding surveillance cameras at schools
System to include "buzzer entry" at elementary schools, additional surveillance at middle and high schools to deter theft and vandalism
The Lee's Summit R-7 School District is continuing its emphasis on safety and security by enhancing school camera surveillance systems at elementary, middle and high schools. Plans call for the additional surveillance cameras to be installed this spring and summer with all systems operational by fall 2010.
The R-7 School District has installed a few targeted surveillance cameras to enhance security during the last few years, especially in the area of theft and property damage deterrence. The cameras have been used effectively in high school cafeteria "scramble" areas and commons and on the exterior of schools located in more remote areas to prevent theft and vandalism. These efforts have been successful, decreasing vandalism to the schools' exteriors and reducing theft within the cafeteria food lines by approximately 80 percent. Cameras are also currently being used on R-7 school buses to help improve student behavior, also with great success.
This effort, designed to enhance safety while also reducing expenses related to theft and vandalism, is continuing this spring and summer with a focus on exterior door surveillance at the elementary level, high-traffic monitoring at the middle schools and high schools and surveillance of "remote" campus areas near athletic facilities at the high schools.
At the elementary schools, buzzer entry systems will be installed at all main doors, and school staff will have the ability to see anyone wanting to enter the building via computer monitors before visitors are allowed into the school.
"We researched the most effective and efficient ways to enhance surveillance at our schools," said Mark White, R-7 environmental/risk manager. "We found that the majority of elementary schools in the metropolitan area are using the buzzer entry systems, and school staff and parents have been very satisfied with this effort."
At middle schools and high schools, camera surveillance will be added to the schools' front doors and other main entrances for enhanced security. High schools will also have cameras installed in high-traffic interior areas and additional remote areas on the campuses, such as near athletic buildings and other facilities that are some distance from the main building.
Lee's Summit West High School is piloting the new interior and exterior camera systems this winter. LSWHS was selected for the pilot based on the fact that the school is located in a more remote area and would be a better area to test vandalism and theft deterrent measures. All schools will receive the new equipment later this spring and during the summer.
"We've seen property damage related to theft and vandalism where surveillance cameras would have helped us both prevent and investigate these incidents," said Dr. Cindy Bateman, LSWHS principal.
All cameras operate through a web-based, password-protected system and may be accessed by school staff and law-enforcement officials on their computers. The R-7 School District will be bidding the surveillance project after the first of the year, and the Board of Education is expected to take action on the bid award during February.
The surveillance systems are part of a comprehensive emphasis on safety and security throughout the school district. Other examples include school resource officers assigned to all secondary schools, school safety drills, regularly updated emergency operations plans for the district and each school and a close working relationship with officials from local law enforcement and fire/rescue agencies.
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