Tip: Install Cameras During Renovations
Moritzen says he is now a pro at installing security cameras. In fact, he’s become so skilled that it takes him less than 10 minutes to install a unit. For those who are thinking about going it alone, Moritzen does make it clear there is a bit of legwork in the beginning. “But once you get past that, it’s quite simple,” he says.
If installing the technology yourself, Moritzen suggests doing so during renovations. “The best time to do new installations is when you’re doing a major overhaul because you’re going to be buying so much wiring, and it’s going to be cheaper that way,” he says. “You have people who are going to be stringing wire and it makes it that much easier.”
With all that he’s done and with all that he knows now, there is little Moritzen says he would do differently. If anything, he suggests campus officials work hard to let parents and students know that installing cameras does not me
an the school will turn into a prison. “It’s not a matter of Big Brother watching; it’s a matter of safety.”
Campus at a Glance
Campus: Home to 1,900 students and 170 faculty and staff members, Penn Manor High School in Millersville, Pa., is a five-acre campus with two main buildings. The revamped gymnasium seats more than 2,000 people and the cafeteria seats 600.
Problem: After a renovation in 1997, the school realized that security needed to be upgraded. Previously, it had no security camera system in place.
Solution: With assistance from Bosch Security Systems, Penn Manor was able to install 46 Dinion and AutoDome cameras around the hot spots on campus.
Results: Since the system’s installation, administrators have been able to discover 12 thefts, 18 cases of vandalism and nine physical confrontations. In the future, Penn Manor plans to add 30 more cameras.
