School Security Cameras Outside: What's Your View?

Last month, the Lower Merion Board of School Directors included in a series of new building regulations a policy controlling the use of exterior security cameras.

This came partly in response to concerns from a property owner next to Lower Merion High School, where new cameras were being installed.

District director of operations Pat Guinnane told Patch, "Right now the means we use to control pan, tilt, zoom cameras is to restrict access to who can make them move. Therefore, they are set in one position and stay there until a change is needed. Those with access would be limited to one or two administrators and one IT person. That is most likely what we will do for the cameras at LMHS.   These cameras are not yet activated."

Guinnane said the cameras would not be pointed at private properties.

Patch asked civic association and home-school association leaders for their opinions.

"None of the Belmont Hills Civic Association members has brought to our attention any concern," said Barb Carlin, that group's president. "However, if they do, we will certainly address it."

In the Penn Valley Civic Association, members "are either unaware of this issue, or have no particular view," member Perri Strawn said.

Cynwyd HSA co-president Deborah Rocco said she hadn't heard any complaints.

"Especially in light of all the burglaries in Bala Cynwyd, (I) think people are happy to have additional security," Rocco said.

What do you think? Do you live near an LMSD school? Have you seen the exterior security cameras? Please vote in the poll below and elaborate in the comments section.