Nov 12, 2009 5:23 pm US/Central
School Bus Cameras: False Sense Of Security?
District Opts Out Of Working Cameras To Save Money
LOMBARD, Ill. (CBS) ―
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Don't assume that security cameras on school buses are always working. Some districts opt out of paying for the software that allows them to view the video footage.
CBS
Cameras on school buses; some parents see them and assume they are there to help keep their children safe. At the very least, they may assume the cameras are being used. CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports that isn't a safe assumption and one family found out the hard way.
Brad Gergen, 18, a senior at Glenbard East High School, was accused of starting a fight with another student on his school bus.
He says the other student started it by shoving him down, and after getting a three-day suspension, he wanted to prove it.
There is a camera on his bus and he hoped to review the video with school officials to show them what happened. He was wrong.
"Everybody thinks those cameras work," Brad said.
But Brad's dad quickly found out, from the bus company, that there was no video of the incident.
Or rather, he says he was told by a First Student Bus Company official that Glenbard District 87 did not pay for the software that would enable district officials to view the footage.
In other words: no cash, no access.
"Then I talked to the Superintendent, Dr. Mike Meissen," said Bob Gergen, Brad's father, "and he confirmed, 'yes, we do not spend the money.'"
Superintendent Meissen told CBS 2 that District 87 has not used the cameras because student discipline problems have been minimal and haven't merited incurring that significant expense.
Bob Gergen says that gives parents a false sense of security because even the student handbook mentions the use of video cameras on school buses, and gives extensive rules as to who can see the video and when.
He says there has never been any mention of the fact that the camera video is not accessible or even available to District 87.
Meissen says student safety is always the District's top priority and will continue to be proactive regarding this issue.
A statement goes on to say: "If the Board of Education determines that student safety would be enhanced with the addition of cameras, it may consider their installation."
The cost adds up to about $1,500 a bus per year.
But parents in any school district need to know: just because they see a camera on a bus, it doesn't mean the district is paying to use them. So when in doubt, ask.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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