Massachusetts City to Add Surveillance Software to Schools

Massachusetts City to Add Surveillance Software to Schools

Taunton plans to spend the funds on new software to allow police officers to access surveillance cameras inside campus buildings.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • November 08, 2018

Taunton, Mass., plans to improve security in its schools by adding new video surveillance software using newly awarded federal grant money.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced Friday the award of $1.3 million in federal grant money to improve law enforcement equipment. Among the awarded communities was the city of Taunton, which received $20,000 in grant funding.

Taunton plans to spend the funds on new software to allow police officers to access surveillance cameras inside campus buildings.

"This would be the bridge between our network and their network," Taunton Mayor Thomas Hoye said.

Hoye said the city wanted to be proactive and improve security for all its campuses.

"Taunton's a city with some older schools that don't have the modern designs, so anything we can do to kind of get around it and kind of close that gap with some of the newer buildings, we're gonna take advantage of that," he said.

The city had previously allocated the funds for the purchase and installation of the software. That money will not be used for more video surveillance and other security improvements in more than a dozen Taunton schools.

"It's so critical, I mean our children are our most vital asset and we have to protect our children and our teachers in those buildings," Hoye added.

Hoye said the city aims to have the new software installed and running within the new few months.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Shooter Still at Large In Brown University Shooting that Killed Two, Injured Nine

    Three days after a mass shooting at Brown University that killed two and injured nine, police are still searching for a suspect. That’s according to CNN. Read Now

  • Electrified Latch Retraction Locks Key Benefits for Retrofits

    Building owners and facility managers increasingly rely on electrified hardware to enhance security while meeting accessibility standards. Among these technologies, electrified or motorized latch retraction locks are especially effective for retrofit projects where existing door and frame conditions complicate upgrades. Latch retraction capable locks combine security, accessibility and code compliance benefits, making them ideal for retrofitting fire-rated and non-rated openings in schools, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings and more. Read Now

  • Rethinking Campus Security From the Inside

    For decades, campus security strategies focused on keeping threats outside school walls. But since the tragedy at Columbine High School, data has shown that many attacks begin inside the building, often in classrooms and corridors. This shift has prompted schools to rethink security from the inside and place greater emphasis on interior elements such as classroom doors. This shift is evidenced by a new generation of classroom door systems engineered to delay inside intruders and an ASTM standard that raises the bar on how these systems must be designed to defend against attack. Read Now

  • AI in Security: Advancing Campus Safety and Considerations for Implementing

    Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to capture attention across every sector, and the physical security industry is no exception. Once seen as experimental, AI-enabled analytics now underpin how organizations monitor environments, detect threats, and make decisions. What was once futuristic is now a practical necessity for safety professionals managing growing volumes of data, tighter resources, and increasing expectations for faster, more accurate responses. Read Now

Most   Popular