Pros and Cons of Installing Closed-Circuit Television Cameras in Classrooms to Prevent Misbehavior

Installation of surveillance camera systems as a way to deter crimes or criminal acts has gained traction in recent years. In some countries, surveillance camera systems – also known as closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras – have also installed in educational institutions as a security measure to address fears for the safety of the students (Hope, 2004; Corpuz, 2011). The trend, however, did not stop. From halls and corridors, some education institutions have started to install cameras inside the classrooms as a means not just to monitor the teachers, but also to address classroom misbehavior (Shepherd, 2009). This paper seeks to cover the possible positive and negative effects of installing CCTV systems inside the classrooms.

CCTV as a security measure to prevent crimes Poole & Williams (1996) said CCTV systems were installed in the “mid 1970s by shopping centre owners who saw a need to protect their retail establishments and parking lots.” They said cities and towns started looking at CCTV systems as a measure to quell public fears of crimes. In the local setting, various local government units (LGUs) have recognized the importance of CCTV systems in preventing crimes.

Elona (2012) said former Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo urged local officials to install such systems to help in the prevention and solving of crimes. Robredo said the cameras “will support the peace and order initiatives of local governments, particularly cities and municipalities with high demographic concentration and robust economic activities (2012).” Several LGUs have already passed ordinances that mandate the installation of CCTVs in their constituencies (Sarmiento, 2012).

CCTV in schools In addition to public places, the installation of CCTV systems as a preventive security measure has also been adopted by a number of schools in several countries, including the Philippines. The National Crime Prevention Council, an

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