So is this less about the actual cameras, and more that they have been installed insecurely and not kept up to date with firmware? Or the hardware used to record the data is acutally in the cloud somewhere and that is the issue?
However, a lot of cameras these days come with a good sized amount of processing power onboard. This can be used for object detection amongst other things. Even without network access the devices could communicate and act on the command of others in many ways. A couple of ideas. You could communicate with the IR LEDs. You could blank the video feed if a certain QR code or flashing light pattern is detected. I'm sure there are more, but you get the idea.
I would NEVER buy hikvision again because as far as im concerned their products are absolute junk. Im amazed they would even be looked at for gov/edu. I guess cheapest really does win those tenders.
For home use they suit me perfectly, but I see what you are saying, I too thought that there was a more “pro” brand that govs would use.