Surveillance cameras for Bayonne High

RONALD LEIR / Jersey Journal | October 2 2006

Bayonne High School already has metal detectors and "wands," school security guards and city cops.

Now it can expect cameras, too.

The Bayonne Board of Education voted last week to accept $228,752 in mostly federal grants to install surveillance cameras throughout the high school.

Schools Superintendent Patricia McGeehan said the program will be administered by the board and Bayonne police department.

In today's climate, McGeehan said, "security is of prime importance to safeguard our students and staff" and that this "Internet-based" camera system would be "just another layer" of protection.

"We try to be as proactive as we can," she added.

BHS Principal Richard Baccarella said that board staff are in the process of preparing bid specifications for the equipment.

"There are many types of systems out there and we're deciding which is best for our needs," he said.

As now envisioned, the system would accommodate anywhere from 40 to 60 camera units, Baccarella said. "We're going to tell the students during assembly programs that 'we're not trying to spy on you,'" Baccarella said. "We're going to say, 'This is going to make everybody feel safer.'"

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