Dialogos

CCTV in Schools: Assessment of the First 40 Systems and Identified Problems

Published January 3, 2026, 10:01
CCTV in Schools: Assessment of the First 40 Systems and Identified Problems

CCTV systems have been installed in 40 schools across Cyprus to enhance security. According to the President of School Boards, Nikos Megalemos, the installation of cameras has improved the situation in schools, as vandalism is decreasing and perpetrators are more easily identified. However, damage has been reported in two schools in Nicosia, with the perpetrators already identified. The installation of cameras is mainly carried out in schools where there is a presence of non-students, but is also being extended to other schools in all provinces. Despite initial problems, such as the destruction of signs, the operation of the cameras is considered successful. A significant issue that has arisen is the duration of video file retention. Currently, the data is kept for 72 hours, which is considered insufficient, especially during periods when schools are closed, such as holidays. The short duration makes it difficult to identify perpetrators in cases of vandalism that occur outside of school hours. A recent vandalism incident at a school in Nicosia, which did not have cameras, highlighted the need to strengthen security and expand camera coverage to more schools.