Security cameras operational at Sweet Home High School
by DAVID F. SHERMAN Managing Editor

Installation of security cameras in common areas of Sweet Home High School has begun as part of an overall security and technology upgrade.

Funding for the camera system - which will be implemented in all seven district buildings - was included in a bond issue approved by Sweet Home taxpayers in May.

Superintendent of Schools Geoffrey M. Hicks said a great deal of research has gone into the program, which is currently being implemented on a limited basis.

The first system operates on a separate line similar to cable television. Video images are saved to a DVR on a large hard drive.

The second system, which the district has decided to utilize, operates across the existing computer network. It is Internet based, allowing supervisory personnel access to any camera's view at any time.

Hicks said four cameras are now in use at the high school, monitoring activity in the cafeteria, computer lab and two hallways.

When complete, the system will include 30 cameras in the high school, 25 in the middle school and 10 in each elementary school.

"Each of the cameras will be installed in common areas," Hicks said. "They will be in hallways, the cafeteria and around the exterior. No one's privacy will be compromised. It's another layer to make sure our schools are secure."

The cost of the districtwide system will be between $75,000 and $100,000, according to Hicks. It will be funded entirely by the Excel Aid received through the bond issue and existing funds.

"We have since discovered that there is additional state aid for security upgrades, so we may be applying for it," he said.

While the cameras can provide live views of school buildings, the system archives images for 30 days at a time. A specific time and date or time frame can be recalled at a touch, Hicks said.

The cameras are motion sensitive, so when action halts in an area being monitored, it shuts down. Movement reactivates the viewing and recording function.

Additionally, because this particular system is Internet-based, a wireless camera can be linked to it, provided it is within the reach of the network.

"If there was a hot spot or a specific section to watch, we could add that wireless camera," he said.

The district already has a swipe card system for building entry and video monitoring of exterior doors.

Hicks described the current effort as a test, although he said the Internet-based system was preferred. The district will save money on installation, as staff electricians will be able to do some of the work.

Planning ahead when installing the current infrastructure made this possible, rather than retrofitting each building. The cable connection also includes the power supply to each unit.

On a related security note, the district is still negotiating with the Amherst Police Department and town supervisor regarding implementation of the School Resource Officer program.

Early plans called for the program to begin in January, after the latest class graduates from the Central Police Academy and is trained in the field. Filling vacant positions and assigning an officer to the SRO task would follow.

Approved by the School Board earlier this year, the program provides for an officer to be assigned to Sweet Home High School whenever classes are in session. The SRO is perceived as both a deterrent to improper activity as well as a confidential contact for students.

"Everything isn't worked out yet; it's an ongoing discussion," Hicks said. "We were hopeful the program could start in January. Chief Askey has been great in working us through the political process." e-mail: dsherman@beenews.com