In past generations, America’s schools have been looked upon as a place for learning, growth, personal development and even as a safe-haven. Schools were not only a location for class time, but as a safe and effective social center for attending children. However, in recent times America’s schools have become more of a target for violence rather than educational and social institutions. From gang violence to terrorist threats and school shootings, districts as well as local and federal agencies are scrambling to find ways to not only make schools more secure, but to develop procedures in the event of violent acts against both students and administration. The integration of metal detectors, lock-down procedures, clothing and potential weapons bans are only a few of the latest policies directed towards violence protection. The unfortunate reality is, America’s schools are now a vulnerable target for those with a will to do harm. The potential for violence seemingly escalates year after year, especially following a trend of high-profile school shootings. It seems as if no school or district can be immune to potential violence as shown by the recent murder of 5 students at a small one-room Amish schoolhouse in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania.

While there previously has been a focus on how to keep violent perpetrators out of the school, what happens when an individual or group is able to bypass those measures and begin carrying out their destructive acts? How are the administration and authorities supposed to act and react during standoff situations where there is little or no information as to what is happening behind closed doors? The Columbine Massacre, as well as the recent Baily, Colorado standoffs are prime examples of how much of a disadvantage authorities can be in when assessing a threat virtually blind to the location and activities of the suspect or suspects inside. While many schools in recent years have equipped their campuses with video tape CCTV surveillance systems, these solutions are only effective when piecing together a crime after the fact. How can administration and authorities take advantage of real-time surveillance of an event without needing direct access to the surveillance system? The answer today is digital surveillance.

Digital surveillance is a tape-free system with the ability to record surveillance events to a hard disk rather than a VHS or tape and reel system. Digital surveillance can be achieved through a PC-based system, or as a standalone recording device. Surveillance can be monitored, played back and searched based upon virtually any desired user setting. Some digital surveillance solutions even provide the ability to access live video from anywhere an internet connection is available. Based upon the recent school violence and increased threats to schools, Newcomerstown School District in Newcomerstown, Ohio began reevaluating not only their ability to prevent violence, but how to effectively manage it in the event a violent act occurs. Their previous conventional tape surveillance system came up short in many ways, including the lack of ability to monitor surveillance from an outside location. As with most schools, Newcomerstown had a limited budget, yet required a highly functional and easy to use solution.

With the first implementation to cover their high school, Newcomerstown had developed four specific requirements for their new surveillance system. First, the solution had to be cost effective. It was determined that a PC-Based solution that could integrate into their existing PC systems would be not only cost effective, but would require less user training. Second, the system needed the ability to record and store digital video to eliminate the need to keep physical tapes of surveillance events. Third, the solution needed multiple, yet different levels of security access where users with a defined security rating could access and use part or all of the system. Fourth, the system needed to have remote monitoring capabilities through an internet browser.

Among other solutions, Newcomerstown evaluated the AVerMedia NV5000 Hybrid PC- Based Surveillance DVR solution. The NV5000 Series HYBRID Surveillance Platform features a comprehensive, yet user-friendly Windows-based digital surveillance recording (DVR) solution. It provides remote recording & monitoring, digital video archiving, password protection, audio and video recording synchronization, and more. Expandable from 4 to 16 cameras, the NV5000 not only satisfied Newcomerstown’s needs, but offered additional features and functions to accommodate future system expansions. The Hybrid aspect allows for the integration of both analog and IP cameras, able to integrate with the current analog camera configuration, but allowing for additional IP cameras to be integrated without additional cabling. The available Central Management Software enables multiple systems/DVRs (up to 1000) to be connected and managed from a single location. This will be extremely beneficial as the district expands its surveillance system to the other schools.

The NV5000 system not only allows staff and administration to monitor the school in real-time, but events can be easily recorded, searched and played back based on a variety of parameters. The remote accessibility allows anyone with the appropriate security level to access live and recorded surveillance anywhere an internet browser or web enabled PDA is available. The local police department has also been given remote access in the event a surveillance event does occur. This gives law enforcement the ability to view activities inside the school as they are happening, reducing guess work and better preparing them for any necessary action.

“The NV5000 system enabled us to integrate a comprehensive, yet cost effective surveillance monitoring solution allowing Newcomerstown to provide our students and staff with appropriate security,” says Shawn Dakin, Assistant Director of Technology, Newcomerstown Schools. “Real-time and accurate surveillance with remote access is an integral part of our overall security plan.” Thankfully, Newcomerstown School District has not been involved in any significant violent or criminal events, however the need to be prepared for potential threats is more urgent than ever. Preparation and worst-case-scenario foresight is becoming an unfortunate, yet necessary responsibility America’s schools are facing.

For more information about the Louisiana Newcomerstown School District, visit: http://www.nct.k12.oh.us/Home/District.php