This document discusses using video surveillance systems in schools to improve security. It provides background on the development of surveillance cameras and their increasing use. The key issues discussed are the need for improved school safety, the large amounts of video data generated that require automated analysis, and focusing cameras on areas of high importance. The objectives are to understand the technology and its benefits for security, but also its potential effects on privacy. A conceptual framework is presented outlining the input, process and output of a video surveillance system.