Effect Of Closed Circuit Television (Cctv) Surveillance Technology On School Safety In Public Boarding Secondary Schools In Igembe South Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

Technology has influenced every sphere of human life, including education. Schools have continually used technology in various spheres of their operation around the world (Squelch, 2001). The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of CCTV surveillance technology on school safety in public boarding secondary schools in Igembe South sub-county, Meru County, Kenya. Using a descriptive survey research design, the study sought to examine: the role of CCTV surveillance technology in student safety; the perception of students towards CCTV surveillance technology; and to find out the challenges faced in implementing CCTV surveillance technology in schools for safety. Interview schedules and questionnaires were administered to students, watchmen and principals to help gather the relevant data. The target population was 2416 respondents. The data was analyzed with the help of a computer program, SPSS version 23 and Microsoft Excel. From the analysis, the study established that all the schools were located in a safe area from both internal and external threats. The dormitories, toilets and near the fence were the most unsafe areas in the school. Schools had embraced CCTV surveillance as a measure of ensuring that every student enjoyed an environment that is physically safe, emotionally secure and psychologically enabling. The main role of CCTV surveillance technology was in deterring offenders and monitoring students’ activities. The study established that CCTV surveillance cameras were perceived positively by a large number of students and the cameras were linked with keeping the school safe. The challenges facing implementation of CCTV surveillance technology for school safety included: cameras breaking down, the CCTV system being expensive to maintain and inadequate personnel to man CCTV cameras effectively in schools. In order to make schools safe, there should be effective use of CCTV cameras. Other measures that were suggested included: proper fencing of schools, additional security personnel, improved discipline among the students, reducing teacher restrictions by encouraging teachers to be more friendly, proper screening of outsiders and parental involvement. Government should also finance public boarding secondary schools to acquire CCTV surveillance technology for safety.