OPINION

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By Hudson Avery

Two new security cameras in the ceiling of a Pitt Hall hallway.

Security cameras are oftentimes a controversial topic all around the world. Cameras have been used as in security systems since the 1930s, and many believe they have proven to be an extraordinarily useful source of security since their introduction to the market. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), “ Security cameras were used in 91% of public schools in 2019-2020… Compared to other school safety measures, video surveillance is the second most common campus security measure after controlled access to buildings.”

School shootings have risen dramatically in the past few decades; in fact, there have been 2,032 school shootings in the U.S. since 1970, and 948 of these shootings have happened in the past 10 years. Security cameras can improve campus safety by providing real-time information about any threatening behavior. Camera footage may also be used to identify theft or vandalism. While technological improvements have been made in the camera industry and have increased security, cameras may be considered by some to be invasive to individuals’ personal lives by recording daily activities.

Hershey Center camera.

If you have walked down the spine of Collegiate’s main campus and past the Hershey Center for the Arts building recently, you may have noticed the strange-looking object hanging off the corner of the building. This is one of the many new security cameras that have been installed at Collegiate this year. As I walked around the Upper School recently, I was able to identify 20 new security cameras that have been added in 2022 so far. This specifically caught my eye, because the enhancement of security in the school has progressed so much this year compared to previous years.

An increased number of cameras can be spotted in busy academic buildings, like the halls of Pitt Hall, the exits of the Sharp Academic Commons, the North Science building, and the Hershey Center. Cameras have been strategically clustered in hallways near bathrooms, likely in response to previous incidents of vandalism. 

While some students are in favor of the cameras because of their comforting safety aspects, other students oppose the feeling of being watched at their every move. As a student of Collegiate myself, having these additional cameras makes me feel safer, but I also feel somewhat uneasy that we are being watched all the time. Hank Shield (‘23) expressed these concerns: “I am personally against the cameras being installed, because I feel like I have less privacy, and that there is not enough trust in a school built on an Honor Code.” Abby Bauhan (‘23) said, “I didn’t notice them… They are hopefully using them to keep us safe and not because they don’t trust us.” Overall, I feel these cameras have helped me focus on school rather than worrying about having my safety being jeopardized, but I agree that the administration needs to keep in mind the privacy of the students.

A camera near the single-person restrooms in the Academic Commons.

Cameras are part of a larger system to protect the Collegiate community. This system includes locked exterior doors with fingerprint scanners, a text and email alert system, and detailed emergency plans with frequent practice drills. The goal of these measures is to make Collegiate a safe and secure learning environment. James Bandy, Collegiate’s Director of Safety and Security, explained that, “The camera project is a continuation of the keyless entry program, where everyone is using a fingerprint or access card to gain entry to our buildings. The cameras record who are coming and going.” Additional cameras around campus make it easier to identify intruders or threats. 

While keeping the students of Collegiate’s safety in mind is an important aspect of these cameras, they also might inspire students to be on their best behavior. Bandy said, “I believe the cameras add an additional layer of security and a sense of protection, so if someone thinks of doing something they shouldn’t, they may think twice before acting.” Bandy also stated that “Although these cameras are not actively monitored,” if there is an issue with theft or vandalism, cameras “provide historical information should the school need to research an incident on campus.”

A camera in the North Science building.

If I hadn’t researched this issue for The Match, I probably never would have realized how many cameras are located around campus. While it makes me feel somewhat uneasy that we are watched as we walk from class to class, eat lunch, or talk to friends outside, I believe that the advantages of having the security cameras and systems outweigh the detriments. Giving up some privacy to promote safety is worth it.

All photos by Hudson Avery.