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Alachua County School Board gives police access to school security cameras
By Emily Drelick
September 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM EDT
The Alachua County School Board decided Tuesday to give Gainesville Police Department (GPD) direct access to school security cameras.
The board reviewed a nine-page agreement at its meeting Tuesday that wiil allow officers to tap into cameras during emergencies, providing real-time information to help first responders. The partnership would cover more than 26,000 students across the district.
Supporters say the added surveillance could improve safety, while some parents have raised concerns about privacy.
GPD Public Information Officer Art Forgey said the access would only be used in emergency situations.
“Some of the questions are, is this going to be big brother being intrusive,” Forgey said. “That’s not what we’re there for.”
The board voted unanimously in favor of passing the agreement; it starts immediately.
https://youtu.be/NQIDKk_4Tok
The board reviewed a nine-page agreement at its meeting Tuesday that wiil allow officers to tap into cameras during emergencies, providing real-time information to help first responders. The partnership would cover more than 26,000 students across the district.
Supporters say the added surveillance could improve safety, while some parents have raised concerns about privacy.
GPD Public Information Officer Art Forgey said the access would only be used in emergency situations.
“Some of the questions are, is this going to be big brother being intrusive,” Forgey said. “That’s not what we’re there for.”
The board voted unanimously in favor of passing the agreement; it starts immediately.
https://youtu.be/NQIDKk_4Tok