Sutaj Estok: Over 1,400 Schools Have Expressed Interest in Security Cameras

Bratislava, 31 October (TASR) - More than 1,400 schools have expressed interest in the security camera project, Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Voice-SD) told a news conference earlier this week. An amount of €2 million has been allocated for the first stage of the project, which is due to be launched in December. Some 250 camera access points should be installed at the first 100 schools as part of this stage. A commission will determine which schools will be the first to receive the camera systems, explained the interior minister. The ministry will cooperate in the project with the Education Ministry. "We've mapped the schools' requirements," said Education Minister Tomas Drucker (Voice-SD), who pointed out that more than 50 percent of schools already have some form of camera equipment. A test run of camera systems is underway at ten schools at the moment. Drucker reiterated that several measures have already been taken to improve the safety of children and teachers at schools. These include, for example, guidance materials and investment in support activities, which have received €680 million over the past three years. The minister claims that changes mustn't only be enshrined in law but must also work in practice. He noted that support will be provided to school headteachers, with the ministry having prepared a handbook on school safety, as well as guidance on how to respond to specific situations. "Whether it concerns a child exhibiting high-risk behaviour, or issues involving alcohol or bullying, the guidance explains exactly how to proceed. It includes references to the law and recommended procedures," said Drucker, adding that the handbooks will be sent to all schools. He expects headteachers to make the procedures accessible to every teacher. The interior minister presented measures focused on cooperation, prevention, preparedness and protection. Every school now has an assigned police liaison officer. He noted that, as of 20 October, the police had conducted 1,100 security drills at 1,015 schools, with almost 300 more planned by the end of the year. As part of the 'Break the Silence' campaign, 19,055 teachers at more than 900 schools have received training. Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) pointed out that the foundation of children's safety lies primarily in prevention and timely psychological help. "The best preventive measure to ensure that our children and young people are safe is to care for their mental health," he stated. The ministers believe that safeguarding children requires a coordinated approach by the education, interior and health ministries. The priority isn't only to protect schools from violence, but above all to identify children's problems at an early stage, to provide access to professional help and to create a safe environment for every pupil and teacher. ko/df