Bethel High School Gets Security System Funding

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 04/14/09

##AUTHORSPLIT##<--->

The town of Bethel in Connecticut has approved funding for completion of a new security system for its high school, which was recently renovated and expanded. The original $32.3 million construction project, which was approved by voters in 2004 and 2006, didn't include funds for a security system. However, $78,000 was allocated from the construction budget to install wiring and cameras; another $6,500 was spent to hire a consultant to work with the town's police department to recommend a system.

The latest allocation of $170,570 will be spent on computer hardware and software. About $73,000 will actually come from the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security through a school security grant program to cover security at school entrances. The remaining $98,000 will be taken out of the Board of Education operating budget. A portion of the savings from a six-month spending freeze in the district will be used for the Board's portion of the expense.

According to coverage in a local newspaper, when it's finished, the system will encompass 84 interior cameras, 12 exterior cameras, and two laptop computers for police cruisers, with which officers can access the system. The vendor supplying the equipment wasn't named. Maintenance of the new system will be provided by the town's public works department.

"It doesn't do the town good to have a brand new building with no security," said resident Robert Legnard during the meeting.