Education minister Ligia Deca told a press conference on Monday that the legislative framework will be amended so that schools can decide to install video-audio surveillance systems to ensure the security and protection of persons and property, as well as to prevent acts of violence.

The Ministry of Education has drafted an emergency ordinance to amend the Education Laws.

„We considered it necessary to amend the legislative framework so that schools can decide to install video-audio surveillance systems to ensure the security and protection of persons and property, as well as a measure to prevent acts of violence that may occur in the school environment. The current provision of the law allows schools to carry out audio-video surveillance only after consultation with teachers, parents or students having turned 18. (…) Basically, schools that have installed an audio-video surveillance system monitor the activity in the classrooms and assume responsibility for compliance with the provisions on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data,” explained Deca.

According to her, surveillance cameras can also be installed outside buildings, in hallways, dining halls, sports halls, assembly halls, dormitories, boarding schools, school libraries or information centres.

The minister of Education has specified that audio-video recordings may only be used for the investigation of cases or reports of violence, or for the protection of property.

„Schools cannot use audio-video recordings for the professional evaluation of teachers, and this prohibition is explicitly provided for in the law,” the minister warned.

AGERPRES