School CCTV Installation Guidelines

Best Practices for Safe, Effective & Compliant Camera Systems

Installing CCTV in a school is more than just mounting cameras on walls — it’s about creating a thoughtful, legal, and effective security system that protects students, staff, and property.

At Security Wholesalers Australia, we’ve helped hundreds of schools plan and implement CCTV systems that balance safety, privacy, and budget.

Here are our expert guidelines to get it right the first time.

Step 1: Assess Your School’s Security Needs

Every school is different — so the first step is understanding:
✅ What areas are most at risk? (e.g., entrances, playgrounds, car parks)
✅ When are incidents most likely to happen? (during or after school hours?)
✅ Are there any recent incidents that highlight gaps in coverage?

We recommend conducting a site audit to identify:

Blind spots
High-traffic areas
Sensitive areas where cameras should not be installed (like toilets & change rooms)

Step 2: Plan Strategic Camera Placement

Correct placement is key to maximising coverage while maintaining privacy.
We suggest positioning cameras in:

✅ Entry & Exit Points — Monitor everyone coming and going.
✅ Reception & Administration — Protect cash handling & sensitive areas.
✅ Hallways & Stairwells — Deter bullying and vandalism in quiet areas.
✅ Playgrounds & Ovals — Supervise large outdoor spaces.
✅ Car Parks & Bike Racks — Deter theft and unauthorised visitors.
✅ Perimeters & Gates — Secure your boundaries against trespassing.

Tip: Avoid placing cameras in areas where students have a reasonable expectation of privacy — such as toilets, change rooms, or staff private areas.

A DETAILED PLANNING GUIDE

Step 3: Stay Compliant with Australian Privacy Laws

Schools must balance security with students’ right to privacy.
Here’s what you should keep in mind:

✅ Notify staff, students, and visitors that CCTV is in use (with clear signage).
✅ Do not install cameras in private spaces.
✅ Limit who has access to live feeds and recorded footage.
✅ Retain footage only as long as necessary for security purposes.
✅ Have a clear policy about how footage is used and shared.

Speak to a local privacy lawyer if you have concerns.

Step 4: Choose the Right Equipment

The wrong camera can leave you with poor footage or wasted money. We recommend:

HD or 4K cameras for clear images
Weatherproof, vandal-proof housings for durability
Dome cameras for discreet indoor monitoring
Bullet cameras for outdoor perimeters
PTZ cameras for large areas like ovals
NVR/DVRs with sufficient storage and remote viewing capability
Optional: AI-enabled analytics for smarter alerts

Step 5: Use Professional Installers

For safety, compliance, and reliability, it’s best to have your system installed by licensed security professionals.
Our team can connect you with trusted installers in your area.

‍ Why consider Security Wholesalers

✅ We supply the cameras, recorders & accessories schools need — all at wholesale prices.
✅ We understand Australian schools and the privacy laws you must comply with.
✅ We offer expert advice and ongoing support.
✅ We stock only trusted, reliable brands.