Catholic high schools may get hi-tech video surveillance systems

More and more organizations are using surveillance systems as a deterrent.  The systems are not only cost effective, they actually save money because of decrease in theft, physical damage and liability.

The Halton Catholic District School Board might install updated video security systems at its eight high schools.

Board staff is recommending the purchase of new surveillance technology at an estimated cost of $2 million.

If approved by trustees, possibly at the June 21 board meeting, the goal is to begin installing the systems during the summer and have the project completed by Dec. 31, 2011.

Currently only three of the board’s eight secondary schools — Notre Dame in Burlington and Oakville’s St. Ignatius of Loyola and Holy Trinity — have video surveillance systems, which utilize a limited number of cameras.

The existing video security systems have either limited capabilities or are technologically outdated, according to Catholic board administrative staff.

The new system would employ two to three-dozen motion-activated cameras at each high school covering areas such as corridors, entrance doors, the cafeteria, gymnasium, library and selected exterior grounds areas. Washrooms and classrooms would not be monitored by video.

“A state-of-the-art video surveillance camera system in the board’s secondary schools will assist with and improve the safety and security for students, staff, visitors and board property,” states a board staff report presented to trustees at Tuesday’s board meeting.

Halton Regional Police reviewed the proposed building and grounds surveillance coverage areas, provided input and concurred with the proposed video surveillance strategy, say board staff.

A school board committee established to investigate the video surveillance camera system options available has pre-qualified four camera system vendors.

An electrical engineering consultant was consulted to prepare a video surveillance camera system performance specification and tender (contract) bid package.

The project would go to tender once it has been approved by the board.

Funding for the camera system would come from the board’s Facility Renewal Reserve. The balance in the fund is expected to be about $13.4 million by this September.

Oakville trustee Anthony Danko questioned the need for such an expenditure, especially when the board is projecting a multi-million dollar budget deficit for 2011-12.

“I don’t see any reason why we need this system. We just heard (about) our bad news budget.”

In response to Danko’s concerns, facilities superintendent Giacomo Corbacio reminded trustees that funding for the project would come from a reserve fund and not the board’s operating (day-to-day funding) budget.

Burlington trustee John Morrison said he is familiar with such surveillance systems but has mixed feelings about them.

“The systems are terrific and sophisticated, but we have to be budget conscious.”

Education Director Michael Pautler told trustees a report on such a security project came before the previous board of trustees two years ago.

“We see it as an issue of school safety. Principals and vice-principals spend a lot of time ensuring the safety of students. Where cameras are (in high schools) it seems to have (resulted in) a safer, calmer school environment.”

Pautler also noted that besides a possible deterrent effect, the cameras should make it easier for school administrators to deal with school vandalism or other negative issues after the fact because of the availability of reviewing videotaped evidence.

Oakville trustee and board chair Alice Anne LeMay seemed to be in favour of a new security camera system.

“If it acts as a deterrent, it will pay for itself. We have a lot of vandalism at our schools.”

What works well in a school will work just as well and have the same benefits in your home or business.