N.Y.C. Admin. Code § L.L. 2004/052: L.L. 2004/052

Enactment date: 11/29/2004

Int. No. 150-A

By Council Members Vallone Jr., Oddo, Gallagher, Lanza, Addabbo Jr., Boyland, Comrie, Felder, Liu, Monserrate, Rivera, Provenzano, Yassky, Avella, Gentile, James, Martinez, Nelson, Gennaro, Koppell, Recchia Jr., Vann, McMahon, Weprin, Katz, Sears, Gerson and The Public Advocate (Ms. Gotbaum)

A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to requiring the Department of Education, in consultation with the New York City Police Department, to install security cameras at New York City public schools.

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

Section 1. Legislative Intent and Findings

The City Council hereby finds and declares that it is the right of every person who attends New York City public schools to have the opportunity to learn and teach in an environment free from intimidation and physical harm. Crime in public schools, though lower in recent years, is still too high.

To foster an atmosphere free of violence, security cameras have been installed in traditional public fora, such as public parks, streets and housing facilities. These cameras provide law enforcement with additional eyes and ears and have greatly assisted in reducing crime in areas where they are placed. Additionally, it is cost-effective to have a security device in conjunction with live school security agents.

It is not the intent of this local law to interfere with the exercise of the constitutionally protected rights of freedom of expression and association, nor to infringe on students' right to privacy. This legislation therefore expresses the intent that cameras be placed at entrance and exit doors, and at other sites within schools and consolidated school locations where individuals do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

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[Consolidated provisions are not included in this Appendix A]

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§ 3. This local law shall take effect 90 days after its enactment.