Schools to use face-recognition cameras

The Metro Nashville school system plans to become the first in the nation to use security cameras that spot intruders by using controversial, cutting-edge, face-recognition technology. Starting Dec. 1, the 75,000-student district will equip Harpeth Valley Elementary, Gra-Mar Middle and Antioch High School and an administration building with cameras that sound alarms when they detect an unfamiliar face or someone barred from school grounds, Assistant Superintendent Ralph Thompson said. "This will give us an edge in providing safety for our students and teachers," Thompson said. Several intruders have entered Nashville schools in the past year, he said. A successful test in Nashville could prod other schools to try the technology, said Peter Pochowski, executive director of the National Association of School Safety and Law Enforcement Officers. He said, "The vendors are out there looking for customers," calling Nashville the first school system to use face-recognition cameras.