More American Schools Upgrade Security

LOS ANGELES – New security cameras are popping up in schools all over the country, with plans to upgrade underway in California, Michigan and Arizona.

On July 17, the Dunsmuir High School District board in Mt. Shasta, Calif., voted 2-0-1 to approve the purchase of new security camera equipment. The $6,661 system will include four cameras, a digital video recorder and a monitor from Bay Alarm. The board hopes the cameras will discourage vandalism, which has occurred with unpleasant frequency in the last few weeks.

In Michigan, the Saginaw Board of Education approved a contract worth more than $500,000 with Security Corp. to upgrade three of the district’s schools. Saginaw High and Arthur Hill will receive approximately 90 cameras each, with similar upgrades planned for Thompson Middle School, which will open in the fall of 2008. The digital cameras can store images for up to 30 days, allowing security staff to view footage of violent incidents on campus.

The district also intends to replace traditional metal keys with key-sized devices for access control. New intrusion systems will cover the first floor with motion sensors.

Officials estimate that video surveillance and access control will cost the district $483,175, and the intrusion and intercom system will cost $48,615.

The Benson Unified School District in Arizona decided to make similar upgrades at its budget hearing on July 12. The board plans to spend $24,000 to re-key the locks on all of the district’s K-12 schools.  Additionally, new security cameras will be installed for the 2007-2008 school year.

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