Nagpur DCP Calls for AI Surveillance in Schools to Enhance Safety Without Intrusion
In Nagpur, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) Deepak Aggrawal addressed the delicate balance between surveillance and privacy in educational settings on Saturday. He asserted that while surveillance is often viewed as an invasion of privacy, it must be implemented in a non-intrusive manner, especially when the primary goal is to safeguard the safety and well-being of schoolchildren.
Aggrawal emphasized that privacy and surveillance are not mutually exclusive concepts; instead, they must coexist to prevent mishaps and ensure a secure environment within educational institutions. This approach aims to protect students while respecting their dignity and rights.
Supreme Court Guidelines on School Safety
Referring to the Supreme Court guidelines issued in 2021, Aggrawal highlighted that the apex court has clearly fixed responsibility on school principals, teachers, and management for ensuring student safety, including physical security. The guidelines provide detailed norms on various aspects:
- School infrastructure requirements
- Police verification of non-teaching staff
- Mandatory deployment of teachers and helpers in school buses
He urged schools that are unfamiliar with these directions to study them carefully, as they offer practical guidance for handling emergencies and enhancing overall safety protocols.
AI-Based Surveillance as a Solution
Aggrawal noted that traditional safety measures, such as routine bag checks by teachers or class monitors, often become sensitive issues. These methods can affect students' sense of dignity and make teachers appear overly intrusive. "This is where AI-based surveillance systems can make a difference," he said.
Drawing parallels with policing and crowd management, he explained that AI-integrated CCTV systems with object-detection capabilities are already being used to monitor gatherings involving several lakh people—a task that is impossible through human intervention alone. Similar technology can be adapted for schools to discreetly detect prohibited or dangerous objects, enabling timely intervention without stigmatising students.
Benefits of AI Systems in Schools
AI systems can also generate alerts in cases of distress, such as screams, physical fights, or group violence, allowing staff to respond immediately. This is particularly crucial in large school premises where constant physical monitoring is impractical. By leveraging technology, schools can enhance safety while minimizing the intrusive nature of traditional methods.
Parental Communication and Support
On the topic of parental intimation, Aggrawal advised that schools must communicate calmly and involve counsellors when necessary. It is essential to reassure students that while parents must be informed, the intent is corrective rather than punitive. This approach helps maintain trust and supports a positive school environment.
In summary, Aggrawal's insights underscore the need for a balanced approach to surveillance in schools, combining technology with empathy to protect students effectively.
