Norwood Security Committee Proposes Electronic Surveillance to Fight Vandalism-August 17, 1977

The newly created Norwood security committee demonstrated last night that it is serious about its campaign against vandalism by recommending that an electronic bugging device be installed at the Willett School on a trial basis. Also to be recommended to selectmen is a proposal for a manned trailer to be installed on the grounds of another school building, strict posting and enforcement of the no trespassing town bylaw, and the use of auxiliary police and the CB patrol unit to help control vandalism.

The electronic alarm system proposed for the Willett School was described by Curt Anderson of Sonitrol Security Systems of Boston, who estimated it would cost about $1,640 to install plus a $60 monthly service charge. He said 14 microphones would be set up in various parts of the school connected to a central control staffed by the company in Cambridge. The last custodian leaving the premises calls the central control, gives a code, and the operator turns on the microphones. The central control operator then hears every noise coming from the building, including burglary attempts and breaking glass, and immediately contacts the local police.

Mr. Curt Anderson said this system is working successfully in 30,000 buildings across the country, 20 percent of which are schools. He said the town would receive its money back if the system were not satisfactory. Committee member Rudith Berkowitz opposed specifying the Willett School for the system, saying the school committee was in the process of discussing the possible phasing-out of a school building and, although it was not known which school, “I would not want one school eliminated because it had a system like this in it.” However, it was pointed out that even if the school were phased out, the building would remain town property.

“For $1,640, I think we should try the system. We would probably need it more if the school was phased out,” said Selectman Walter J. Dempsey.

The committee voted to seek the support of selectmen for placing a trailer on the grounds of another school, although it was agreed not to purchase one, but to try to look for a private party who was looking for a place to park a trailer. Town Manager John P. Mogan reported such a trailer can be leased for about $5,000-a-year, but must be used for three years. “If we find someone to park his trailer and live in it, we could avoid the three-year commitment,” he said.

On the recommendation of finance commission Chairman E. Peter Bamber, the committee agreed to pursue with the police department a strict enforcement of “no trespassing” on the school grounds and to post new signs if necessary. Police Chief James Curran recommended activating the 40 auxiliary police officers to patrol schools and town buildings every night, and he agreed to prepare a schedule for such patrols. He is also to seek increased use of the NETS (Norwood Emergency Team Services), the local CB unit for patrolling.

Alan Fiske, director of the CB unit, was also present and he said there were about 24 persons willing to volunteer for such work. “We have been patrolling Friday and Saturday nights since last April and we have quite a sophisticated system worked out with CB headquarters in the police station,” he said.

The committee also agreed to send letters to the school department and the general manager recommending replacing all broken glass in the future with a durable plexiglass. Mr. John P. Mogan was asked to have estimates prepared by the light department for lighting the dark side of Junior High North and for fencing around the bathhouses of each outdoor swimming pool. The committee will tour the problem areas in two weeks, meeting at the Winslow School at 8 p.m. August 30. Chief James Curran listed the following problem sites in order: Junior High North, Cleveland School, Willett School, Prescott School, and Callahan School.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger