Marblehead panel gives preliminary OK for security cameras in schools

MARBLEHEAD – Eleven weeks after they reaffirmed an existing non-specific policy on school building security the School Committee gave its first approval to a revised security policy that specifically mentions security cameras.Last fall’s discussion was generated by a $44,000 Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant, which will mostly be used to buy security cameras for Marblehead High. The full cost is $88,000 and the town will supply $44,000 from the school budget.The town already used security cameras at the high school and elsewhere, but news of the grant spurred local controversy.On Nov. 3, in a monthly work session, the committee discussed the former policy, comparing it to policies in Lexington and Cambridge that were researched by committee member Kathleen Leonardson.Lexington specifically discussed security cameras and Cambridge referred to “electronic security devices,” while Marblehead’s policy authorized the superintendent to make sure that each school is “well equipped” for school security but did not mention security cameras specifically.At their Jan. 19 work session, Superintendent of Schools Greg Maass brought up a security camera policy which combined language in the Cambridge and Lexington policies.”Upon reflection and touching base with legal counsel I believe we need to create a policy for security cameras,” Maass said, arguing that “transparency and consistency” matter. “Even though our current policies (on security and vandalism) allow for real-time discretion by the superintendent, I believe, as does our legal counsel, that we should just be straightforward and have a security camera policy,” Maass said.According to the policy the School Committee authorizes the use of security cameras in school buildings “to ensure the health, welfare and safety of all students, staff and visitors, to deter theft, vandalism and other negative behavior, to safeguard district buildings, grounds and equipment and to monitor unauthorized individuals in or on school property.”The superintendent is required to notify the committee when cameras are installed and the school department will notify students and staff that cameras have been installed and may be used at any time.Committee members approved the policy unanimously.