How Fairfield Uses Video on School Buses to Keep Kids Safer

Fairfield has partnered with the safety technology company REDFLEX to better enforce traffic laws—and ensure students' safety—when it comes to school buses.

Five of the district's buses have been outfitted with the REDFLEX Student Guardian exterior safety camera system. The purpose of Student Guardian is to capture footage of vehicles that pass a school bus when the bus is stopped, children are entering or exiting, and the stop arms and flashing lights have been activated.

"Motorists must stop for buses when the red lights are flashing. What we find difficult at times is how to enforce that," Police Chief Gary MacNamara said at a press conference on Monday.

"We've had at times officers on buses trying to do that. We've had officers following school buses trying to do that and trying to ensure that the motorists stop."

This partnership, MacNamara added, "allows us to do that more efficiently and effectively."

Fairfield is one of 20 municipalities in Connecticut taking part in the program, which was made possible by updates to state traffic laws made in 2011, according to Police Lt. James Perez. According to the law, police can enforce violations caught on video by systems like Student Guardian—officers do not have to physically witness a car pass a bus when the latter's red lights are flashing.

Student Guardian can now act as an extension of "the eyes" of the Traffic Enforcement Unit, Perez said. Before—unless an officer witnessed a violation firsthand—police could only warn an alleged violator if a bus driver or witness complained. Now, thee evidence will be caught on tape.

"This is a prime example of how technology can make law enforcement better," First Selectman Michael Tetreau said. "We want to make our schools—and our way to schools—safer for our children."

The cameras capture motorists in real time and that video goes straight to Student Guardian employees, who monitor the footage, tag suspected violations, review the violations with a manager, and then forward the videos to the Fairfield Police Department.

Traffic enforcement officers review the footage and make the final decision on whether a motorist did unlawfully pass a bus—and whether to ticket that person—after the last bus route is completed for the day.

Passing a bus when its red lights are flashing is a violation that occurs every day across the country, Student Guardian President Tom O'Connor said. "[Student Guardian] creates a deterrent."

The installation and use of Student Guardian is funded by the fines paid by violators, and so comes at no cost to Fairfield, O'Connor said.

Fairfield receives $125 of the $450 fine, the state receives $90, and the remaining $235 goes to Student Guardian to pay for use and equipment, according to O'Connor.

Those who follow the law need not worry about the new system, MacNamara said.

But for those who don't stop, "there will be significant changes" in enforcement thanks to the Student Guardian system, he added.