Whether it's school vouchers or class-size reduction, education is always a hot-button issue during an election year, and one that's typically followed by four years of squabbling and inaction. School safety is another big concern, but swifter measures have been undertaken thanks to the fear and shock generated by Columbine. The use of surveillance cameras is rapidly growing in popularity, but do they infringe on the rights of the students they are supposed to protect?

"CyberCrime's" Jennifer London's investigates school surveillance on an all new episode of "CyberCrime." Read through this column, watch the show and then tell us what YOU think in our message board.

Keeping a watchful eye

Administrators at schools such as Fremont High in Oakland, California -- a school that already utilizes surveillance systems -- praise the difference that cameras have made both inside and outside their buildings.

Though students bringing a cache of weapons to school and going on a killing spree is improbable, past events certainly prove that it can happen where and when it's least anticipated.

Proponents of school surveillance say that such an attack could be caught early, and plans could be implemented to prevent another national tragedy. Bullying and fighting are much more common occurrences, and surveillance can decrease their totals as well. Many instances of school shootings can be traced back to harassment or an argument, so stopping such activities before they escalate marks particularly sound policy.

Providing a safe environment for students to learn is the top priority, but cameras have had some other welcome results. Tardy pupils find it harder to slip in unnoticed, and non-students will be ejected from school grounds before they can cause mischief -- or worse. The use of drugs and alcohol can be expected to drop, as can inappropriate sexual behavior, theft, and vandalism.

Not knowing who's watching and when acts as a deterrent to would-be troublemakers, but surveillance also serves another purpose. It provides the evidence necessary to discipline those delinquents brazen or stupid enough to carry on as if the cameras weren't rolling.

Crossing the line

Not everyone is enthusiastic about school surveillance, particularly advocacy groups like the American Civil Liberties Union, which insists that the cameras infringe on a student's right to privacy. Why should students be forced to check their freedom at the door each morning? Violence is easy to identify, but how inappropriate speech or behavior is defined can vary according to who is monitoring the cameras.

Cameras cannot be placed everywhere, which limits their effectiveness. Despite rumors to the contrary that will undoubtedly circulate among the student body, students are not being watched while in the bathroom or locker room. Classrooms are also usually surveillance-free, meaning that criminal activity is not really being prevented, just moved elsewhere.

While intended to clean up schools, cameras may actually do more harm than good, depending on how they are used. What assurances can be made that a student will not be unfairly targeted for surveillance because of their race, sexual orientation, gender, appearance, or religious beliefs?

Administrators not engaged in profiling are also at fault, however, because students who have never been or won't ever be a problem are being treated like suspects. What is the psychological effect of treating our children like criminals?

Will the cameras be used to ogle students? Voyeurism is a real possibility.

Additionally, equipment installation and maintenance fees represent money that can be spent more wisely elsewhere, considering that many students go without textbooks and classrooms, lacking even the most basic supplies.

All are valid reasons to oppose school surveillance, but perhaps the biggest argument that privacy advocates can make is the often-ignored fact that Columbine High did have security cameras.

Message Board: Do surveillance cameras invade student privacy?

• What measures do you think schools should take to protect students?
• Will the installation of video cameras lead to the use of more security technologies?
• Post your questions and comments on the "CyberCrime" message board.

Pro-surveillance links

• National Institute of Justice -- the appropriate and effective use of security technologies in US schools
  
• Sandia earns A+ on school security program achievements
  
• Detroit schools invest in security
  
• National School Safety and Security Services
  
• Crime cameras cut school vandalism
  
• Schools grow electronic eyes
  
• High tech security help

Privacy advocate links

• Safety in schools: Are we on the right track?
  
• ACLU protests cameras in Colorado schools
  
• Too much of a good thing?
  
• Back-to-school security
  
• Virginia school to use cameras to keep eye on students