"Smile, you're in front of a hidden camera." That was the tagline for the TV show Candid Camera. The show filmed unsuspecting people in embarrassing and hilarious positions while their reactions were recorded on a hidden camera. Surveillance cameras are video cameras or closed circuit television (CCTV), used for the purpose of observing an area. There are several major concerns on school campuses. The two biggest concerns on school campuses are safety and security. With school violence on the constant rise, schools are forced to employ numerous safety and security measures, including metal detectors, security guards, and surveillance cameras. Besides academics, protecting students at school is a top priority for many parents, school administrators, and teachers. Incidents of violence include gang activity, drug trafficking, theft, assault and damage to school property. These events occur in one form or another on every school campus. To help defend against school violence, many schools are installing or adding video surveillance cameras. This brings us to the question: should public schools install CCTV cameras? Public schools should install CCTV cameras. With over 14 years of experience as a teacher, I can attest to the positive impact of CCTV cameras on the safety and security of schools. With the passage of the Safer Schools Act on September 17, 2008, $50 million was allocated to purchase video surveillance equipment for schools. Finley says “currently, more than 75 percent of all new schools in the United States are equipped with video surveillance systems.” The intention of this research paper will illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of surveillance cameras... middle of document......ages and disadvantages of surveillance cameras, surveillance cameras play a very important role on campuses schools. I strongly advocate the installation of surveillance cameras in school grounds. Surveillance cameras on school campuses are very popular. In my opinion, there is no other option than to install surveillance cameras. By having these surveillance cameras, the safety of students would be ensured, vandalism in schools would decrease and the number of students dropping out of classes would be reduced. Surveillance cameras would also serve to deter violent behavior by students. Although there are clear benefits to using surveillance cameras, we must balance the need for safety and security with respect for the privacy and freedom of the individual. Certainly, when a student is filmed, we can say "Smile, you are in front of a hidden camera".."