Can CCTV Systems Help Crisis Management in Mass Shootings?

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As school and mass shootings become more prevalent in today’s society, the question is do CCTV systems help with mass shootings? While gun control is the first topic people tend to address when discussing these acts of terror, there is another side to the story that may aid in minimizing the total lives lost in these situations sooner than a gun control reform can.

One of the most important purposes of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) video recordings is to secure a predetermined area using video cameras connected to a video recorder, which in turn creates the video surveillance footage evidence. By using modern technology to allow 911 dispatchers access to these surveillance cameras in emergency situations, we would be allowing the dispatchers to give the first responders accurate, real-time information.


History of Mass Shootings

While mass shootings are becoming more frequent (an average of 7 mass shootings a week in 2017, CNN), they are not new to our culture. The FBI defines a “mass murder” as 4 or more victims in a single incident.



CCTV and Modern Technology

CCTV surveillance became widely available in the 1970s. There are now an estimated 30 million surveillance cameras in the United States.


In 2011, Atlanta, Georgia police began monitoring 100 of the city’s surveillance cameras. Atlanta Public Schools gave access to their surveillance cameras to 911 dispatchers in 2014.

In 2013, Howard County, Maryland also linked their school surveillance systems with 911 dispatchers.


How does this help in the event of a mass shooting? By 911 dispatchers having access to live surveillance footage, they are able to provide first responders with accurate and efficient information. This will then allow the first responders to draft a plan that will quickly eliminate the threat so more lives can be saved.



What Can You Do?

Talk to your school principals, district superintendents, local law enforcement, city and state officials, news outlets, local businesses, and neighbors. Educate them about the importance of CCTV technology and how it can help in emergency situations.


Educate yourself on what steps to take if you or a loved one find yourselves in the midst of a mass shooting. Get involved in discussions, don’t sit on the sidelines. Express the importance of alternative solutions to gun control law regulations or political arguments.


The solutions expressed in this article are simple to understand and easy to express from the laypersons’ perspective. You may even find yourself having a conversation with an expert that would find this information valuable.

Contact an Expert

Primeau Forensics’ works with video recordings in both criminal and civil cases. If you have a video recording that you would like to have entered into evidence in your court case, speak to your lawyer and contact us for a pro bono consultation.

