1About a year ago, alongside tearing out the ceilings of Amesbury High School to complete renovations, the school added high-tech security cameras. Although the cameras are not something new to students, as more are added, the video systems' capabilities may come as a surprise.

"The cameras are never a negative thing," said Murray. "The use is always positive."

In an effort to increase security and safety at the school, the district chose to add the cameras as part of its renovation, at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars. The hallway cameras, which have been in place the longest, do not have the capability to zoom and rotate. But now newer cameras monitor the school's perimeter, gym, cafeteria and all hallways, and they don't miss a thing.

Murray assures the cameras are about security, not about snooping.

"With the addition of the cameras, the high school is as safe as any other high school in New England," Murray said.

Murray can view the cameras from his office via two monitors and a control panel. He said the idea is to make students aware that someone may be watching.

"The cameras are a deterrent," Murray said. "There was never any increase or overwhelming problems."

As phase one of the new high school construction was completed, there were 15 cameras; now with phase two almost complete, there are 25, and when the construction is entirely done, there will be 30. Classrooms are camera free due to the direct supervision of teachers and the high cost of the cameras.

The cameras are used for emergency and criminal situations, as well. The freeze-frame photographs and video surveillance have been used in the past year to help solve thefts and vandalism.

Once phase two is complete, Amesbury Police will have access to the cameras via a wireless system that will allow them to access the system from their cruisers.

Murray believes with the School Resource Officer being cut three years ago, the cameras are another way to help monitor students' safety. But Murray doesn't think the cameras can't match the value of having a police officer on site.

"Students can't have a personal relationship with a camera," said Murray. "There is no way that you can replace that."

To boost security, new precautions have also been added to entrance and exit of the high school. All entering the high school main foyer can enter the first set of doors but must enter the main office to proceed into the actual school.

When phase two is complete, all doors will be locked at an undisclosed time, and if opened, an alarm will alert authorities.

Murray says that students are aware of the cameras. All homeroom teachers are required to review the handbook on the first day.

Page 51 of the handbook clearly states, "Students should be aware that there are surveillance cameras throughout the building and outside the building that are recording 24 hours a day."

"It isn't that students don't know cameras are here," said Murray. "It's that they forget."