• Bert Berson: No. Evil will find a place to hide.
• Julian Mancias: Yes. It would certainly provide an extra measure of protection, although “significant” might be too optimistic.
• David Cohen: Yes. As cameras become more prevalent in more places, there will be benefits. If the purpose is to reduce or eliminate the threat, they must be monitored. Otherwise, their output just becomes evidence after the fact.
• Martha Artiles: Yes I think it would at least reduce the threat of child abuse/molestation. It would at least put staff on notice that their behavior is being monitored to assure the safety and well being of the children that are in their care. In addition to providing more surveillance equipment, we should also constantly assure the staff has gone through a thorough background and reference check to reduce the chance of having staff that would harm the children. As parents, we need to also constantly remind our children to report behavior that is uncomfortable to them right away.
• Heather Crossen: No, video cameras will not significantly reduce the threat of child molestation in children’s programs. Video cameras are useful for the investigation and prosecution of such cases, and might discourage crime in the open areas where they are installed. A determined predator will figure out how to exploit or take advantage of even the very best prevention systems and practices. The kind of pedophile who is able to develop trusting relationships with parents, children, co-workers, and employers will find or make the opportunity to victimize children. Their ability to foster trust is one of the things that make them so dangerous. I believe one of the best ways to protect our children is to instill in them the confidence to speak up when they are uneasy, and encourage them to share their daily experiences.
• Matt Wendt: No, not significantly. I spoke with friends on this issue including a police investigator and a county investigator and they stated cameras cannot be installed in bathrooms of after school programs, which is the place where molestation is most likely to occur. They advised that active parenting is the best solution to reducing the risk of a child molestation. Investigate the after school program you drop your child off at. In addition, contact “Community Care Licensing” for issues or complaints and ensure the facility is licensed. Interview the staff and review their policies, including bathroom policies. Ensure the staff has been background checked for criminal history. In addition, they advised that communication with your child and educating your child is very important. Finally, they stated that the cases involving day care facilities are only a fraction of cases. The majority occur in homes committed by family members and trusted friends.
• Mark Grzan: Yes. And likely many other crimes and administrative issues. There are protections for everyone with this and other technologies. It just needs to be posted.
n Karen Anderson: Yes, I am sure it would. Unless someone gets their jollies out of watching the videos themselves. I am not sure I would want my child watched in the bathroom. Very sensitive issue and I think parents should be forewarned.
• Kathleen Sullivan: No, just like a child molester is smart enough to get jobs where they will earn the trust and have increased exposure to children, they are smart enough to figure where the cameras are. The cameras only give adults a false sense of security.
• Gabriel Madrigal: Unfortunate no human power can stop the wrong thinking or any type of threat from individuals toward children. The answer is a complete change in the heart, however, we should take advantage of technology as an important tool to catch and prosecute, so yes. But if the heart is pure we would always prevent rather then repent. God changes people’s hearts.
• Rene Spring: We need to do whatever is needed to keep our children safe – no matter where they are. We have to be aware and report suspicion of neglect or abuse to authorities right away. Better be sorry than late! Cameras installed at child care centers, for after school programs and other places kids gather could help, however, it will take a lot more. Most importantly, we, as parents and adults, have to be aware that child abuse can happen anywhere, and we have to do what we can to prevent it from happening.
