CPS Announces Plan to Expand Cameras for Districts Schools

 

CPS Announces Plan to Expand Cameras for Districts Schools 

Initiative Builds Upon Investments in Student Safety and Wellness  

Chicago Public Schools today announced a bold three-year security camera investment plan as a critical part of CPS’ comprehensive safety initiatives.  The $76.3 million investment, announced Wednesday morning at Eli Whitney Elementary School, calls for adding cameras to existing schools and updating systems that currently have outdated equipment in an effort to ensure that all District schools have state-of-the-art cameras to support the safety of students and staff.   

“As a District, we remain committed to investing in the resources and strategies that support the safety and security of our students and staff, “ said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “Our camera systems are just one tool but they consistently prove valuable for deterring and resolving crime.” 

The CPS security camera systems are thoughtfully designed to give school security staff  better visibility across areas of the school throughout the day.   Also, in the event of an incident, cameras can help staff respond to situations promptly and captured footage can also be used for evidentiary purposes in investigations. 

“We are excited to make this investment as well as the many ongoing social emotional supports that aim to address the root of behavioral issues,” said CPS Safety and Security Chief Jadine Chou. “We know that it requires a holistic approach to bolster safety in our schools and that work continues as we install new cameras.”  

The District is prioritizing cameras for schools based on a scoring model that considers the following criteria: current camera condition, number of safety incidents taking place at the school, number of criminal incidents taking place in the vicinity of the school, the CPS Equity Opportunity Index and school enrollment. CPS schools with up-to-date systems will not be included in this program. 

The implementation will be a phased-in approach across three years: 

FY23: Phase 1 investment is $13.5M and consists of 63 schools (58 ES and 5 HS); expected to be completed during the summer 2023.   

FY24: Phase 2 investment is $30.9M and consists of 135 schools (120 ES and 15 HS); installation will take place September 2023 - August 2024  

FY25: Phase 3 investment is $31.9M and consists of 133 schools (122 ES and 11 HS); installation 

will take place September 2024 - August 2025 

This is the District’s latest investment to strengthen the safety and security of students. At Eli Whitney, the installation of their new security cameras was completed in December, providing security staff the ability to monitor indoor and outdoor activities.  

“School safety is our top priority,” said Principal Evelia Diaz of Whitney Elementary. "Since installing our cameras, our school community has felt an increased peace of mind in knowing that we have another tool to keep students and staff safe.” 

In addition, CPS oversees a number of initiatives, programs and services related to safety and security as well as students’ emotional safety and well-being. 

Safety and Security Investments 

Whole School Safety Initiative: Each year, the District reinvests an approximate $3.3 million towards proactive safety resources such as restorative justice coordinators, climate coordinators, and more. 

Safe Passage Program: Through the Safe Passage program, trained professionals help steer students away from dangerous situations and help them get to-and-from school safely. CPS will invest $22 million in the program in SY23, including $1.5 million to engage Safe Passage staffers to support CPS Summer Programs and Chicago Park District programming so students can continue to have safe access to activities while out of school. 

School Security Resources: The SY23 budget contains $8 million — for important safety technology equipment to support students’ physical safety on school grounds. 

At the beginning of the current school year, CPS announced that it overhauled its Safety and Security website cps.edu/safetyandsecurity to include helpful tools, including new videos, and resources for families to provide a more in-depth view of school safety in CPS. The District also created new safety training drills and videos for educators and staff.  

CPS asks parents to partner with the District by alerting the student’s school, or to the CPS Student Safety Center at studentsafety@cps.edu as soon as possible, and with as much detail as possible, about a safety concern or issue.   

 
 
 

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