Northside’s Integrated Security Management System (ISMS) would give authorized administrators and police instant access to video footage from any computer in the district 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Dozens of security cameras would be mounted in hallways, gymnasiums, administrative areas, cafeterias, entrance and exits, and around the exterior of the schools. Administrators would be able to view footage from any camera live, or, in the event of an incident, archived video footage is available for up to 14 days.

The ISMS also includes an access control system that is connected to all entrances to each school to give administrators the ability to restrict access to the facility instantaneously. The access control system also includes motion detection and alarm monitoring and a staff and student badge system to reduce unauthorized access to facilities.

So far, the video cameras have had dramatic results at Northside’s 11 high schools, where between 110 and 140 cameras were installed with funding from Bond 2004. Assaults, drug offenses, theft, and referrals to alternative schools have plummeted since the system became operable, according to data from the Northside Police Department.

“The camera system has reduced in the raw numbers of criminal offenses at every school where it has been installed even though the student population of NISD high schools has grown during the same period,” Lt. Brad Mills said. “The students and others know that the system provides both better documentation of incidents and a higher number of criminal prosecutions and convictions.”

Jay High School Principal Gerardo Marquez said by far the biggest role the cameras have had is in prevention of incidents in the first place. Students and staff were informed about the cameras and how they worked at assemblies at the beginning of the school year.

“We give a lot of credit to the cameras,” he said. “It really has made this place safer.”

The security cameras for middle schools are part of a $692.67 million bond proposal that will go before voters May 12. Early voting will be held April 30 to May 8.

For a detailed list of proposed projects and for more information about School Bond 2007, visit http://bond.nisd.net.