Document text
CLOUDY Temp: 39 °F Wind: NNW at 3 mph Thursday, February 20, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend February 12, 2003 A camera keeps an eye on students in the hallways of Phoenix High School. The Central Point School District board approved a surveillance policy, which would allow cameras like this one, at its meeting Tuesday. Mail Tribune / Jim Craven School surveillance The Central Point School Board approves the use of video cameras to watch Crater High and Scenic Middle school grounds By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune CENTRAL POINT — Overturned trash cans, uprooted shrubbery, broken windows and hastily scrawled graffiti end up costing Central Point police and local school officials a pretty penny. "It’s just little things, but it all adds up," said Central Point Police Chief Mike Sweeny. "There’s a pretty regular problem at Crater (High School) and Scenic (Middle School). It ebbs and flows." The Central Point School Board took action to curb the after-hours incidents of trespass, vandalism and burglary Tuesday night by approving the use of video surveillance at both Crater and Scenic schools. Just how much money is spent repairing the damages at Central Point schools was unclear, as was the exact number of incidents reported to police. But Sweeny said 60 percent of the department’s caseload is generated by Central Point schools when it comes to residential calls for service. The cameras would be focused on parking lots, where school officials say the majority of the problems take place. "We have quite a bit of use at those parking lots," said Superintendent Candy Manary. "It would just be one more measure to use to ensure safety." The policy on cameras outlines parent and student notification, state and federal privacy guidelines and procedures to follow if illegal activity is recorded. "I think it’s a wonderful idea," said board member Lenore Gebhard. "We owe it to the kids and the community to protect our buildings." Manary said the policy only lays the groundwork for video surveillance, adding it could be months before any equipment is installed. The district won’t purchase any equipment. Manary said the school will use the resources of Central Point police and city officials. The three have entered into a partnership, she added. Budget cuts have left Crater High School with one security guard, said Principal Karen Lynch. The school has one school resource officer who divides his time between the high school and middle school. "It’s not meant to catch somebody doing something wrong," Lynch said of the cameras. "It’s just an extra set of eyes." Central Point isn’t the first district to consider video surveillance on school grounds. The Phoenix-Talent district has been using a surveillance system to monitor high school and middle school students for many years. North Medford High School has three video cameras that can be moved to various locations. Eagle Point school officials have discussed installing a surveillance system following an incident where the tires of 16 vehicles where slashed during a December basketball game. Superintendent Bill Jones said no proposals brought before the school board and no funding has been secured. "I think more and more, you want to have things as secure as possible on your campus," he added. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy webmaster feedback A D V E R T I S E R S