BusPatrol cameras activate only when buses deploy stop arms, company says
A BusPatrol spokesperson told the AP that the cameras are triggered “only when a school bus is stopped with its warning lights and stop arm engaged.” Unlike Flock Safety’s cameras, which continuously monitor roadways, BusPatrol’s cameras aren’t continuously monitoring the roads.
More than half a dozen Connecticut municipalities have contracted with BusPatrol to install the technology on their school bus fleets, according to the report. The towns include Vernon, Bridgeport, Danbury, Shelton, Stratford, North Haven and New Haven.
BusPatrol installs the cameras on the towns’ bus fleets and uses them to gather footage of any motorist who passes a bus displaying flashing red signal lights. The company’s technicians log each event and forward the recordings to local law enforcement.
The Connecticut school-bus deployments come amid growing pushback against automated license plate readers statewide. City and town leaders have been hearing from residents, who say the technology raises a range of concerns about privacy.
Several state and local leaders have called for a pause on the broader technology to weigh new policy guidance before further deployment.