EASTON, Conn. – Two grants adding up to $114,000 from the U.S. Justice Department have enabled the Easton Police Department to install digital video surveillance systems in the town’s two schools as well as the department’s patrol cars.
The school cameras will be situated in entrance and exit areas. The police department will have access to video feeds from its headquarters, allowing them to monitor the schools’ visitors. First Selectman William Kupinse says the monitoring will allow police to respond faster in the case of an incident.
The patrol cars, which are currently equipped with videotape systems, will be outfitted with the new systems by the end of the month. The intention is to use any arrest footage as evidentiary support in court trials.
The Justice Department grants only pay half the cost of the installation projects. The city will make up the balance using funds from its capital budget.
