Lax video surveillance at Muncie elementary schools

Northside Middle School’s video surveillance was rated average, while Southside Middle School and Central High School were classified as above average.

According to the National Institute of Justice, video cameras can enhance peace of mind, deter outsiders who do not belong at school, prevent kids from stepping way out of bounds, provide evidence on tape and free up adults who normally oversee areas where students congregate during breaks.

Security was the first question school board member Michael Long asked consultants when they presented a “Long-Range Facility Determination Plan Report” that assessed physical conditions of buildings, academic offerings and enrollment.

Security cameras at all nine elementary schools were given a score of “1” on a scale of 0 to 4, meaning below average, or, as architect Jerry Rolfson told the board, “room for improvement.”