How Adams Insiders Scored a Traffic Technology Tryout for a Favored Company
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BusPatrol’s journey from zero to hero at City Hall began in 2019, the year the state passed a law allowing local governments to put enforcement cameras in school buses. Suffolk County embraced the company’s cameras right away, awarding BusPatrol its first major contract in New York. The company then turned to an even bigger market — New York City.
At first, it did not go well. At a December 2019 City Council hearing, BusPatrol’s then-CEO, Jean Souliere, testified about the firm’s ability to catch scofflaws, arguing that their cameras would make the city safer. Then Monty Dean, chief of staff to the Department of Transportation’s chief operating officer, stepped up to the microphone, presenting a dramatically different viewpoint.
Potential to Expand
Former Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison told THE CITY that he was aware of the county’s adoption of the school bus camera system when he ran the department and saw both a good and bad side to it. The existence of the cameras could dissuade drivers from passing stopped school buses, and the cameras could assist detectives in investigations such as by capturing images of subjects fleeing the scene of a crime, Harrison said.
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BusPatrol’s journey from zero to hero at City Hall began in 2019, the year the state passed a law allowing local governments to put enforcement cameras in school buses. Suffolk County embraced the company’s cameras right away, awarding BusPatrol its first major contract in New York. The company then turned to an even bigger market — New York City.
Potential to Expand
Former Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison told THE CITY that he was aware of the county’s adoption of the school bus camera system when he ran the department and saw both a good and bad side to it.
Office of Public Safety Chief of Operations Justin Meyers
Office of Public Safety Chief of Operations Justin Meyers holds a public safety briefing at City Hall, June 23, 2023. Credit: Caroline Rubinstein-Willis/Mayor
Councilmember Lincoln Restler
Councilmember Lincoln Restler (D-Brooklyn) poses a question, May 1, 2024. Credit: Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the school bus camera system?
A: The system is designed to improve safety by preventing drivers from passing stopped school buses and reducing the risk of accidents.
Q: How does the system work?
A: The system uses cameras installed on school buses to capture images of drivers who pass the bus while it is stopped. The images are then reviewed by law enforcement to determine if a violation occurred.
Q: What are the penalties for violating the law?
A: The penalties for violating the law include fines and potentially, a suspended or revoked driver’s license.
Q: Who is responsible for implementing the system?
A: The system is implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in collaboration with school districts and law enforcement agencies.
Q: How does the system benefit the community?
A: The system benefits the community by reducing the risk of accidents and improving safety for students riding the bus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the school bus camera system is an important step in improving safety for students riding the bus. The system is designed to prevent drivers from passing stopped school buses and reduce the risk of accidents. While there may be some concerns about the system, the benefits it provides to the community make it a worthwhile investment.
