I always feel like somebody’s watching me

Public schools are under the same degree of video surveillance this year as they were in 2023, trustees will hear next week.

Thirty-two of the 51 properties owned by Central Okanagan Public Schools have video surveillance systems, a number unchanged from last year. Fourteen of the properties are elementary schools, also the same number as in 2023.

“Video surveillance systems are used primarily as a means of identifying unwelcome visitors on school property and to enhance the safety and security of students and staff,” reads part of a report from superintendent Kevin Kaardal.

“They have proven to be a useful tool in assisting administrators in the resolution of incidents involving theft and vandalism,” he says. “In addition, the presence of video cameras act as a deterrent to undesirable behaviour.”

In the past year, a security review of all the surveillance systems was undertaken. Some improvements were made to ensure better security, Kaardal says.

As well, a “comprehensive audit and assessment” of the district’s overall surveillance system was done by an outside contractor. Their findings and recommendations are not attached to Kaardal’s report, but will be presented to trustees.

The district’s five-page policy on the operation of surveillance systems stipulates, among other things, that school officials who want to install cameras in their building must gain the approval of the school’s parent advisory council.

As well, schools must have signs indicating the building has security cameras, only “authorized persons” can access the system’s controls and recordings, and all recorded images must be erased within 30 days unless they are being retained “as documentation related to a specific event.”