Tom, I'm in so much agreement with you over the fingerprint issue, but less so on CCTV in schools. Until I started working at a school a few months ago, I'd have wholeheartedly agreed. Now I see the point of CCTV. Not only does it allow teachers and other staff (e.g. me) some kind of defence against malicious allegations, it helps prevent some crimes. It helps detection in others. Crimes? In a school? Well, if they happened on the street, they would be seen as crimes. I don't get to see all the reports of violence to staff (even though I should). However, I'm convinced that there would be many more if not for the CCTV - not, you understand, that the cameras deter anyone. They do provide evidence that the "little darling" DID hit/push/barge the staff member. Appropriate action may then be taken. When I was at school they weren't necessary, as the teacher would always be believed. That's now different. Proof is required, as kiids and parents know their rights (but not responsibilities). The school I'm at is in a deprived inner-city area. Regrettably there is a higher proportion of parents who don't do parenting than in the average school. The result is that there are more unsocialised kids. We need CCTV in our armoury - there's precious little else left.