Increased security at local schools

TULSA - Assistant Police Chief, Dwayne Jackson said the security upgrade is far overdue.
The District is currently installing security cameras at every school; middle and high schools will each have 48 cameras, elementary schools will get 34 cameras.

"Currently, most schools have between 3 and 5 cameras." said TPS Project Director Bob LaBass.

Most of those cameras are old and do not give a clear picture.

"We had a bunch of different systems out there nothing linked to each other. This (new system) will be network based even have communication with TPD." said LaBass.

The new cameras will shoot in high quality with the clearest image available giving school officials and police officers a direct view of what's happening everywhere.

"You will have a camera where busses are, where games are, outside the gymnasium, and back of the school... all the high priority areas." said Dr. Oliver Wallace, Principal Central High School.

Even the access to enter the school will change. In a couple of weeks, visitors will be locked out until some lets them in.

"They will be locked through a magnetic shield and we have to hit a button to let them in... we will be able to screen the people who come into the building." said Wallace.

Overall, 3,000 new cameras will be installed at schools across the district. Every camera will be connected to police headquarters.

"We will be able to monitor it, knows who's doing what, and take action." said Asst. Police Chief Jackson.

"Gives a more secure environment for students, they're aware of it, parents aware of it, and hopefully the bad guys are aware of it." said LaBass.

Construction at the campus police headquarters and most school sites is expected to be completed by the end of the year.