Vendor-Provided Training Helps Answer Questions
When it came to installing the equipment on campus, Moritzen didn’t have someone mount the cameras for him. Instead, he saved money by installing the units himself. “I do the maintenance, the installation and the upgrades throughout the buildings,” he says. “I’ve learned a lot about the industry in itself, so it’s been kind of neat.”
That’s not to say that Moritzen was completely a one-man show. When it came to wiring, he was helped by several maintenance staff members. For the most part, however, he says he installed all the cameras and the component pieces, such as DVRs, without much assistance.
Installing such equipment can be confusing to many, but Moritzen maintains that it’s not as difficult as most would think. “Bosch’s equipment is very easy to install; it’s very user-friendly,” he says. He notes that it can be confusing reading a 500-page training manual; however, Moritzen was able to attend one of the training sessions hosted by Bosch.
“Their trainings were exceptional,” he says. “It was nice because it was a small group [at the training], and we were able to go over everything. Our trainer was able to answer all the specific questions I had.” The company also offers online courses.
When a problem occurs, such as a system error or a power outage, Moritzen says that he speaks to employees at Bosch on a regular basis who give him the information he needs immediately.
By chance Moritzen is out of town, he has trained Penn Manor’s SRO how to install the camera systems. However, Moritzen admits that with the SRO’s busy schedule, he still requires more training. Despite this, the SRO has basic knowledge of the camera.
Campus Teamwork Keeps the Program Effective
While installing the solution was essentially easy for Moritzen, he notes that monitoring the 1,900 students at Penn Manor requires a team effort. The principal, four assistant principals and school resource officer can all view the streaming footage on their computers. Should there be an intruder or active shooter on campus, the local police department also has access to the system.
Thus far, the system is working quite well. Since the installation, administrators have discovered 24 instances of an unauthorized individual entering a restricted area, 12 thefts, nine physical confrontations and 18 incidents of vandalism, including damage to computers and classrooms. Having the footage available for viewing gives administrators “an immediate assessment tool to dealing with students who were in a physical altercation,” explains Moritzen.
“Students are going home and telling their parents, ‘I didn’t do anything; I didn’t touch him.’ When you bring them in along with the parent and show them the videotape, it’s kind of hard to dispute.”
Moritzen says the district is supportive of the venture, especially since it has seen positive results. “We’ve done presentations to the school board documenting where we’ve used [the cameras] in the instance of prosecuting students stealing things or disorderly conduct,” he says. “The school district has seen [their investment] paid back.”
He also notes that while the products and installation were free, the district is very aware that somewhere down the line, it will have to pay for maintenance. However, with all the benefits that the solution has provided, he doubts the expenditure will be a major concern.
