Students who know their activities and movements will be watched and recorded on a surveillance system may be less likely to engage in violent or illegal activities on school property. Cameras may also deter trespassers such as gang members, drug dealers and anyone else with malicious intentions who come onto the property.
With all entrances, exits and parking lots covered by security cameras, students attempting to skip classes may be deterred by the fact that their actions are observed and recorded. Having strict discipline policies in place and regularly viewing camera footage may help to reduce truancy and help deter students from leaving school property without proper authorization.
Cameras can help cut the incidences of property defacement, theft and damage. Individuals who are aware that their actions are being filmed are far less likely to break bottles and write graffiti on school walls. School property such as computers, expensive lab equipment and other supplies can be saved and may need to be replaced fa less frequently. Swifter retribution, improvement of security policies and recovery of stolen items are made increasingly possible through the use of cameras at school.
Cameras allow school officials to monitor the traffic of incoming parents, students, teachers and vendors. Video surveillance systems can record the drop-off and pick-up of children and may aid in preventing incidences of kidnapping or parental confusion. School staff can even view the footage to find teachers faster and make sure vendors stay in their designated areas. According a 2007 article in "USA Today," state-of-the-art camera technology even allowed test schools in Nashville to identify strangers, expelled students and terminated staff through a face recognition system, ensuring the further safety and security of their campuses."
Cameras can provide documentation and evidence in the case of accidents, violence or in incidences of unclear or conflicting reports of events. Filming can also identify participants, witnesses, vehicles and objects that may have been important factors in the case. Cameras can help provide evidence for police reports, for example. Information for insurance companies both for individuals and the school itself may be more concrete and more readily available if cameras recorded the event.