Comments on: DHS Gets Big Surveillance Donation

By: DHS Parent

DHS Parent — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:16:23 +0000

Good point, DM. Here’s how it’s worked in all the high schools I’ve worked. Most of the cameras are pointed to the entrances/exits and on all sides of the buildings and parking lots (and no, you legally can’t put them in the bathrooms) and down long, busy hallways.

There is no “Big Brother” watching all the cameras at all times throughout the day – no school system has the resources to pay someone to do that and DHS is no exception. The footage from the cameras are recorded and stored for about 30 days. IF there was an incident that was reported or something was stolen or the building was vandalized or broken into, then the appropriate camera footage from that particular day would be reviewed to assist with the investigation.

I was the beneficiary of this on two occasions as someone broke into my science lab and destroyed it. They caught the culprits (an opposing gang from another school) thanks to the outside surveillance cameras. Another time, my car was broken into, and they caught the guy who did it (it wasn’t a student).

With these new DHS buildings coming online that we’ve spent a few million on (plus our new stadium), I think it would be irresponsible of our system NOT to protect its newest investment AT NO COST TO THE TAXPAYER!!

By: Decatur Metro

Decatur Metro — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:37:48 +0000

It sounds to me like much of the animosity is coming from where the cameras would be located and whether they would be actively monitored. And we currently don’t know either…perhaps someone at DHS could fill us in? That would deal with some of the concern and at least prevent people from thinking that the cameras would be located in bathrooms. What if these are just entrance and outdoor perimeter cameras? Then would it be as big a deal?

Aren’t there already cameras all over our cities?

Oh, and cameras may record your every move, but no one is “watching you”. We just aren’t as interesting as the people in crime dramas.

By: W. Gibbets

W. Gibbets — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:43:39 +0000

Who exactly is blowing this out of proportion? If a camera is following your every move–your EVERY move–how do you feel throughout your day? If someone puts up 15 foot fences around a building you are forced to go to everyday–how would you feel every day? Encroachment has its effect on people–particularly adolescents that already feel self-conscious. What happens when they begin acting the way they are treated?

By: DHS Parent

DHS Parent — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:09:04 +0000

Can we please not blow this out of proportion when it comes to “Big Brother” watching? I’ve taught at many high schools over the years in DeKalb, Gwinnett and Atlanta, and Decatur is WOEFULLY behind in terms of the amount of security cameras it currently has – even with the 50 we’ll be getting. I’m a DHS parent and I welcome this new addition. DHS already has security cameras and a system, but it is extremely antiquated and definitely in need of upgrading. And when you think about all the entrances at DHS that need to be covered, 50 cameras is not much (remember we’ve got two new huge buildings coming on line with the new gym and auditorum this Fall). These security systems are more about keeping the “bad” folks out than monitoring our kids during the school day. These systems really do help to identify culprits who try to vandalize schools after hours. I’ve seen it catch many a thief where I work.

By: Another Rick

Another Rick — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:46:11 +0000

Yes, that does violate federal law. My teacher friend tells me that in Dekalb schools, thet are placed in the hallway, watching the door. I am on my way to the Square to celebrate our independance!