THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 8, 1996 TAG: 9603080087
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E12 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: By DENISE WATSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
EVEN IF YOU overlooked the 16 security cameras inside, outside and alongside Western Branch High School, it's difficult to miss the three adult, badged security personnel who walk the hallways full-time. AND the 24 student patrols who've have been trained to observe and report any flagrant, non-educational behavior taking place during school hours.
``I feel like we're in prison,'' said Carrie Hamlet, a sophomore at Western Branch.
School officials plan to increase security measures in the middle and high schools, but many students, especially those at Western Branch, are screaming, ``Enough!''
This week, Teenspeak went to Western Branch, where students discussed the fine line between feeling safe and feeling ``locked-down.''
``They have helped cut down on the fights,'' said senior Clayton Porter. ``There used to be more fights. But I just feel they've gone overboard with all of this.''
All of Chesapeake's middle and high schools have security personnel, with cameras in the high schools. The push is to get cameras into all of the middle schools and in many of the school buses.
Officials believe the measures provide a safer environment for students and peace of mind for their parents. The students admit their occasional fights and vandalism warranted some scrutiny.
``Before I came here, I heard that there was one hall that you could walk down and expect to get jumped,'' said Danny Van-Orman, a freshman.
``F Hall,'' other students said.
But there are limits, students say.
``With all of the restrictions, we can't even go outside the building during lunch,'' Porter said, ``it almost makes you want to break the rules.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Is increased security, including the use of cameras and monitors,
necessary in middle schools and high schools?
by CNB