Bridgeport installing cameras near schools

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — A security company is installing 18 surveillance cameras outside high schools in Bridgeport in an effort to prevent crimes and help police catch perpetrators.

The Connecticut Post reports that Sonitrol began installing the cameras Thursday in neighborhoods around Bassick, Central and Harding high schools. The city is using $6 million in federal grants for the Safe Corridors initiative.

The initiative has come under fire from the American Civil Liberties Union and some residents. The ACLU says the city has no safeguards to protect the public's privacy.

School officials say the goal is to protect city students from bullies, drug users, pedophiles and other criminals as they walk to and from school.

Bridgeport already has more than 200 surveillance cameras in place and that number could increase to 1,000.

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Information from: Connecticut Post