Security cameras prove to be effective in MBUSD schools

The MBUSD Board discussed the implementation of new security cameras at Costa and MBMS during its meeting on Dec. 13. The Board approved the allocation of $250,000 from Manhattan Beach’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to support the project. Photo by Sofia Williams/La Vista

By Sofia Williams
Managing Editor

In response to several instances of hate graffiti at Manhattan Beach Unified School
District (MBUSD) campuses, 81 security cameras were installed at Costa, and 46 at Manhattan
Beach Middle School (MBMS). According to District Superintendent Dr. John Bowes, the
camera systems will allow district personnel to view live and recorded footage. The
implementation of security cameras at Costa and MBMS is an effective way to reinforce safety
and respect amongst students.

The City of Manhattan Beach published a press release regarding the increase in funding for the camera systems on Dec. 12. Photo courtesy of manhattanbeach.gov.

On Sept. 14, MBUSD’s Board of Trustees approved a measure to install new security
cameras in MBUSD schools due to instances of anti-semitic graffiti at Costa, according to
patch.com. The MBUSD board approved an additional $250,000 stipend to go toward the
installation of cameras at MBMS and Costa on Dec. 13. The funding for the project comes from
the city’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which encompasses all funding for Manhattan Beach
infrastructure, according to Deputy Superintendent Dr. Dawnalyn Murakawa-Leopard.
The use of security cameras on campus allows administrators to easily identify those who are
committing hate crimes on campus. According to a statement made by Manhattan Beach Mayor
Steve Napolitano, the use of security cameras in Manhattan Beach schools will better equip the
Manhattan Beach Police Department (MBPD) to hold individuals accountable for illegal activity
on campus.

According to the California School Boards Association, districts are permitted to implement security cameras in all areas except those with a reasonable expectation of privacy. Photo courtesy of csba.org.

Implementing security cameras on campus prevents the use of more invasive measures
that disrupt learning, such as metal detectors or access control devices, which provide
electronic approval for entrance into the school. According to the Center for American Progress,
employing measures such as these can disproportionately affect students who are
African-American, indigenous, or people of color and can lead to increased suspensions,
expulsions, and interactions with law enforcement. Through the installation of security cameras
on campus, MBUSD is minimizing disruptions to students’ education while still increasing safety.
While some may say that the use of security cameras is an invasion of privacy, Board
Policy 3515, which addresses the use of security systems on campus, states that cameras
cannot be placed in areas where students and staff have a reasonable expectation of privacy.”
These areas, which include parking lots, stairwells, hallways, large open interior spaces,
cafeterias and athletic fields, can be easily graffitied without the help of technology to review
footage. The use of cameras to detect potential instances of criminal activity or misconduct is an
appropriate way to hold students accountable.

Security cameras will be implemented throughout Costa’s campus by March 17. Photo courtesy of Safe and Sound Security

By installing surveillance cameras at Costa and MBMS, MBUSD is ensuring safety on
campus while still respecting student and faculty privacy, more efficiently addressing hate
crimes on campus and preventing the disruption of learning caused by more invasive physical
screenings.