Axis Communications UK highlights the importance of network surveillance in protecting UK schools and colleges

Axis cameras help reduce or prevent acts of violence or vandalism in UK schools and colleges

With reports of vandalism, truancy and violence in schools constantly in the headlines, the education sector is keen to find ways to curb destructive acts and unruly behaviour. The increasing use of IP-based network cameras has proven to help reduce willful damage to school property. Refurbishment costs are reduced, delivering a measurable return on investment and staff and pupils benefit from a nicer, safer working environment.

However, while some teaching bodies have expressed concerns that cameras will be used for the covert surveillance of pupils and staff, Axis is keen to highlight how the presence of cameras is a vital tool in the protection of both staff and pupils during school hours as well round the clock surveillance of school property.

Phil Doyle, managing director, Axis Communications UK said: "The safety and security of all staff and pupils in schools isn't something that a school, college or university wants to leave to chance. Our experience of working in the education sector has seen first hand how the presence of cameras can help reduce or prevent acts of violence or vandalism."

"Unruly pupils soon realise that they have nowhere to hide if they commit an offence and as a result many of the schools and colleges we have worked with claim incidents of these types are at an all time low thanks to the cameras."

Network video cameras are the ideal solution for the school environment as images are stored on the network and staff can log-on to the system from an office or remotely to view an incident. Axis network cameras are tamper proof and produce high quality images which allow staff to clearly identify culprits making the images compelling evidence and because they are on the network, they can be shared easily.

One of Axis' customers, Treviglas Community College in Cornwall is an example of a school that is reaping the benefits of an IP-based surveillance system. Its previous analogue system had left staff compromised as when an incident had taken place, the images recorded were not clear enough to categorically identify the culprits involved.

Network video cameras are the ideal solution for the school environment as images of an incident can be remotely viewed

Since investing in an Axis network video solution however, the college has seen a significant decrease in these incidents. Headteacher of the college, Helen Mathieson explains: "The surveillance system is now an effective deterrent against any instrusion and anti-social behaviour on college grounds."

Knowsley Community College has also benefited from Axis Communications' network video. The Merseyside-based college has been victim to a number of undetected acts of vandalism as the existing analogue CCTV system had not been capable of the level of coverage the college needed. Pupils, their parents and staff were all concerned that the situation could escalate. Following the installation of the Axis network video solution, the college has 100 per cent coverage which means the vandals won't be getting away with it in the future.

Hitchin based, Axis Communications offers a wide range of network video solutions and counts Knowsley Community College, the Royal Academy of Arts and the University of East Anglia among its client base in the education sector.