How much does it cost to install security cameras in schools?

In the modern era, no parent is willing to admit their child to a school that has safety concerns. That is why school security should be of the highest standard. Many schools are now installing security camera systems to achieve this. Do you want to know, “How much does it cost to install security cameras in schools?” 

A security camera system adds an extra layer of safety to schools. It also records evidence videos in case of mishaps. The school can keep track of unauthorized visitors. As a result, it is paramount that the management deploys good security as it is crucial.

In this article, we will discuss factors affecting the cost of security cameras. So, it will help you in deciding the budget for your school security system.

The first question to answer is, why do schools need a security camera system? What is the importance of installing CCTVs at schools?

Importance of CCTV cameras in schools

Installing security camera systems in schools has many advantages. We will go into detail about them.

Provision of safety

A school surveillance report states, that security cameras are effective in emergency situations. Monitoring can help authorities become aware of problems early on. According to this report, public/Private schools are using security camera systems. this is the second most common security measure in schools. Besides, CCTV monitoring also improves building security up to a few kilometres away. So, School owners and parents can both have peace of mind with CCTV monitoring. So, the installation of CCTV cameras is inevitable for the safety of students in schools.

Criminal Deterrence

Presence of the security cameras helps in the prevention of crimes. It discourages students from mischievous behaviour, bullying issues, violent acts and theft. Installing cameras in labs will reduce the possibility of burglary, for example. Moreover, students would be scared of punishment so that misbehaviour would decrease.

Asserting the crime with evidence

If a crime occurs in the school building, cameras can help identify the perpetrators. When the video evidence is there, the culprit would have no way out. So, CCTV surveillance in schools will aid in both crime prevention and detection.

Savings on security needs

A CCTV system will reduce the number of school guards needed. Just a few to guard the main areas and one for the control room are enough. It would cut the need for 24/7 security personnel throughout the school. A single guard will be enough in the control room and two to three in the major areas.

Investigate any suspicious activity

Today’s cameras can recognize faces, zoom, and provide better night vision. CCTV surveillance provides school management with the ability to investigate suspicious activity. Management can arrive on the scene during such a situation. Thus, can prevent any adverse outcomes.

Promotes a professional atmosphere

The use of classroom cameras can improve student and teacher conduct. So, security camera systems can improve productivity in both behaviour and academic performance. They may also limit serious incidents such as false accusations and harassment. As a result, classrooms will become more professional.

Attendance statistics for schools

Security cameras with a count-of-people feature can also track students’ attendance. The administration can count the number of students who attended an event. They can count the number of students in supports event, for example.

How much does it cost to install security cameras in schools?

Surveillance systems come in a variety of features today. So, they play an important role in determining the cost of security camera installation.

• Design/Type and Brand
• Resolution (A camera with high resolution would be more expensive.  And a camera having low resolution would be less expensive)
• Storage capability of CCTV cameras
• Number of Cameras required to cover the whole building

A wired security camera system installation will cost up to $2000 for a school building. But, security systems cost is different for high school and kindergarten. In kindergartens, security camera installation costs are lower. An average security camera costs $100 to $200.

As we consider different factors, let’s discuss the cost.

Camera security systems: Cost by design

In schools, three to five types of cameras can monitor both outdoor and indoor areas. Listed below are some of the most common security cameras for schools. Let’s discuss each one along with its cost.

Bullet

For monitoring, bullet cameras have been used for the longest time. It is possible to install them on walls or ceilings, depending on the need. They can monitor in a particular direction. The bullet cameras can now capture clear HD images in dim lighting as well. The best place for them is in the hallways. They are weather-resistant to be used outside, such as on boundary walls or in parking lots. Most of them cost between $30 and $100.

Dome

Among the most common school security cameras, dome cameras are second in popularity. They monitor silently by using a dark lens. So, it prevents offending among teenagers at high schools. The covering makes the dome cameras blend in with the surroundings. The cameras are stealthier than bullet cameras, and they can cover more ground. Prices range from $30 to $120 for dome cameras.

PTZ

The best security cameras for schools are PTZ cameras. These can be zoomed and tilted remotely and automatically. This makes them ideal for outdoor use. Also, they can rotate 360 degrees, allowing for wide-angle shots. The cost typically ranges from $200 to $600.

Others

The box security camera is also a camera suitable for outdoor use. The price ranges between $50 and $200. Licence plate capture cameras are also ideal for use in school parking lots. Prices range from $300 to $600.

Installation Price of security cameras by Resolution.

The most important aspect of video surveillance is the quality of the footage. A video’s resolution indicates how much one can zoom in without seeing distortion. The term resolution refers to the clarity and details of an image. A camera’s resolution is measured in pixels. So, Pixels tell the width and height of an image. The following is a breakdown of security camera costs based on pixels.

1. 2- Megapixel: It has a resolution of 1080p and an image size of 1920×1080. The cost of these cameras ranges from $20 to $100.
2. 4- Megapixel: This image has a resolution of 1440p and a size of 2560×1440. The price for these cameras ranges from $40 to $200.
3. 5-Megapixel: Resolution for these cameras is 1920p and image size is 2560×1920. Cost for these cameras is between $45 to $250
4. 6-Megapixel: These super HD cameras come with a resolution of 2048p. The image size for these cameras is 3072×2048. Prices generally range between $50 and $250.
5. 8- Megapixel: These are ultra HD cameras and also known as 4K cameras. The resolution for them is 2160p and the image size is 3840×2160. The cost for these cameras is from $80 to $300.

There is also a 12 Megapixel camera with a resolution of 2800p. Unfortunately, these cameras aren’t widely available.

The installation cost for security cameras in terms of storage.

The storage capacity of the camera is another factor to consider when estimating the cost of security camera systems. A single camera would store its data either on an SD card or in the cloud. Schools, but, where footage is required for a large area, use expandable storage. So, they can also store film for an extended period.

DVR and NVR are two security cameras storage systems that use external hard drives. Their number of channels/cameras influences installation costs for these cameras’ security systems. The most popular systems usually support 32 cameras. But, the latest one can support up to 128 channels. Let’s have a look at the prices.

• 4 Cameras system: Supports 4 channels. Supports 4 channels. Cost ranges between $80 to $400 and $120 to $800 for DVR and NVR systems, respectively.
• 8 Cameras System: DVRs range between $100 and $400, while NVRs range from $215 to $1500. It supports 8 channels.
• 16 Cameras System: DVRs cost about $170 to $600, and NVRs cost $400 to $2000. As its name implies, it supports 16 cameras.
• 32 Cameras System: The system supports 32 channels. The price ranges from $300 to $1800 for the DVR and $700 to $3000 for the NVR.
• 64 Cameras System: The cost of a system with 64 cameras is between $1000 and $2300 for DVRs. And the cost is between $1200 and $6000 for NVRs.

Note: DVR stands for a digital video recorder, and wired systems use it. IP cameras use NVR which stands for the network video recorder.

It’s an average cost. So, the price may vary based on the features of the cameras in the system, like resolution, brand and design type.

Labour cost for security camera system installation.

Our discussion of camera prices so far has been based on different camera features. As part of the installation cost of security camera systems, labor costs should be added. The labour cost of IP/wireless camera systems differs from that of wired camera systems. Let’s discuss both one by one.

Wireless camera systems:

Wireless security systems are more expensive than analog wired security systems. However, IP security systems are cheaper in terms of labor costs. Since they don’t require much drilling, they are easy to install. You can install them yourself because they are incredibly simple to install. But, if you don’t have enough time, the technicians can charge you up to $50.

Wired/ Analog security systems

Analog security camera systems have a high installation cost, but they are cheaper to buy. They would cost $300 to $1500. Because these cameras need digging and cabling, they would cost more to install. They are, however, the best option for school security. A highly functional 16 channel supporting camera system would cost between $500 and $3000.

Conclusion:

Security cameras are a necessity in schools. They provide parents and teachers with peace of mind. At the same time, CCTV cameras make management more effortless. How much does it cost to install security cameras in schools? We have discussed this in our article in detail. In our opinion, analog CCTV systems are more suitable for schools.