Beaufort County BOE approves bus cameras | News

BEAUFORT CO., SC (WTOC)- On Tuesday, the Beaufort County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a plan to install video and audio recording systems on all of the district's 166 school buses.

The district has signed at $257,000 contract with Charlotte-based Fortress Systems. The contract calls for three digital units on each bus. One will be located in the front of the vehicle, one in the middle and one in the rear. According to district officials, the cameras should be installed by Dec. 31.

According to Student Services Officer Gregory McCord, there is little hard research data around the nation to show that the presence of cameras on buses acts as a deterrent against bad behavior. McCord did say that there is anecdotal support among educators for cameras' deterrent effect. He also added that video and audio recordings would prove valuable in providing objective evidence during student disciplinary proceedings.

"We think this is a very positive move," McCord said in a statement. "It will help the district remain proactive in ensuring student safety, which is always our top priority."

The contract with Fortress Systems includes installation costs on all 166 buses, a three year parts and labor warranty on the leased equipment, training for employees and technical support extending beyond the warranty period.

According to McCord, the district and schools will notify students and their parents about the installation of bus cameras using telephone message, email, websites, individual letters to parents, and School Improvement Council and PTO meetings.

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