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If thinking about installing CCTV what things should you look out for and what questions do you need to ask?
The golden rule
When commencing a CCTV review at your school the golden rule is to seek out companies that specialise within the education market. A vast number of CCTV / security companies are not market specific, one day they will be installing cameras in a shopping centre, the next it might be a school or a private house. The specific needs of schools and colleges are totally unique, and only companies with dedicated education divisions can meet all your needs whilst not exceeding your budget.
Site survey
The next stage is to have a complete site survey (this survey should always be free of charge). During this survey ask such questions as:
- Where should we deploy real-time with audio (25 frames per second)?
- Where will we use traditional CCTV (3 to 5 frames per second)?
- Is the recording system to be centralised or standalone?
- Should we have a system that distinctly separates corridors from stairs from classrooms?
- Is the system to be IP or analogue?
- How can we avoid the big brother effect?
- Can we use these cameras for other uses such as teacher training, personal development and sharing of best practice?
A good company will answer all the above questions for you and give you choices in the design. All good CCTV systems are based around choice.
CCTV has more applications than simply security
Another key thing to realise is that CCTV cameras have more than simply a security application. The best -of-breed companies will be able to combine your CCTV with other School Management concepts such as:
- Teacher training
- Pupil behaviour management
- Corridor and stairwell management
- Best practice archival and management
- Self assessment assistance
For instance, real-time CCTV that is recording in an ICT suite to stop theft and vandalism is also perfectly suited for being used for teacher training initiatives. Make sure you squeeze the most from your budget by choosing a system that can be used for more than one purpose. In essence, choose a system that offers choice.
