"The final bill before me today is Introductory Number 150-A, sponsored by Council Members Vallone, Oddo, Gallagher, Lanza, Addabbo, Boyland, Comrie, Felder, Liu, Monserrate, Rivera, Provenzano, Yassky, Avella, Gentile, James, Martinez and Nelson. 

"Intro. 150-A requires the Department of Education in consultation with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to install security cameras where they are appropriate for safety purposes.  The bill permits cameras only in areas where individuals have no reasonable expectation of privacy, such as entrances, exits and stairwells. The number, type, and location of the cameras are at the discretion of the Department of Education and the NYPD. 

"The bill further requires that the Department of Education and the NYPD conduct a review, by the end of 2006, to determine which schools require cameras.  The Department will then submit a report to the City Council indicating the findings of this review. 

"The Department of Education and the NYPD are committed to expanding the use of security systems in our schools.  The Department of Education's five-year capital plan includes $119.9 million to provide state of the art surveillance systems in schools that have no operational system as well as providing upgrades for schools that currently have antiquated surveillance equipment.  This school year, which is the first year of the plan, video surveillance systems are being installed in 36 locations, including all 16 Impact School buildings. Furthermore, the School Construction Authority has begun including digital video infrastructure as part of its standard design for all new school facilities.

"Surveillance systems are one of many tools to ensure the goal of safe, secure learning environments for all students. This bill advances those efforts while providing the Department of Education and the NYPD the discretion to determine which schools have the greatest security challenges and allocate resources as necessary.

"I would like to thank the staff of the Department of Education and the NYPD for their work on this bill.  I would also like to thank Council Member Vallone and his staff for their efforts on this legislation."