Barnstable Adopts Security Camera Policy from Association of School Committees

CCB MEDIA PHOTO
Barnstable High School

BARNSTABLE – The Barnstable School Committee recently voted to adopt the Massachusetts Association of School Committees’ policy on the use of security cameras.

According to the policy, cameras can be used to ensure the safety of students and staff, dissuade theft and vandalism and to monitor unauthorized individuals on school property.

Margeaux Weber, the chair of the Barnstable School Committee, said the school district has already been using cameras on buses and in school buildings.

“This is really just standardizing our approach and codifying the policy,” Weber said.

The policy states that the superintendent of schools can deem the use necessary while working with school officials and local law enforcement and emergency personnel.

Weber said the security cameras are beneficial.

“It’s, I believe, a properly effective, a very reasonable and unfortunately necessary measure,” Weber said.

Barnstable is the first town on the Cape to codify the association’s policy which was created in August.

Weber said that new cameras could soon be added at the schools in town.

“We are looking at revamping the security cameras throughout the district,” she said.

The policy can be found below.