It’s something school IT leaders and other educators know well: Safety and security are crucial to learning. And schools have a lot to protect — starting, of course, with people and including millions of dollars (or more, for larger districts) of hardware, physical structures and other assets. Networked security — namely, IP video cameras — are a key part of school security strategies. In fact, the number of U.S. schools reporting the use of security cameras for video surveillance rocketed to almost 81 percent in 2015-2016, the latest year available, from just over 19 percent in 1999-2000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
IP video systems should be a key part of most organizations’ security strategies, particularly those with distributed environments. Ask these questions when installing IP video cameras.

What Are Features of an Ideal Location?

The intended placement of IP video systems will dictate the type of cameras to purchase and deploy. For example, cameras may be designed specifically to operate indoors or outdoors, capture images from long distances or run by remote control. Keep these tips in mind when picking a location for your IP camera:

• Deploy cameras in conspicuous locations to deter misconduct.
• Choose ingress and egress points to monitor visitors.
• Install cameras in poorly lit or hidden locations to detect vandalism.
• Set up surveillance cameras in meeting locations for liability purposes. 

Is There a Need for Audio?

Audio is a top feature of IP video systems, providing additional context to recorded video. Some video management systems have audio analytics integrated to make video review easier. It’s also important to strike a balance between privacy and security. Understand how the laws in your state govern recorded conversations, and consult your legal team to ensure you’re in compliance.