WARREN Keeping an eye on kids

Cameras will let officials know who is coming and going, the high school principal said.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
and AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Someone will always be watching the doors of Warren G. Harding High School.
The city police department recently secured a $19,000 grant from the state Office of Criminal Justice Services that will allow officials to buy video surveillance cameras to be mounted at all entrances and exits to the high school.
"Primarily it's good security for break-ins," said Bill Mullane, principal.
Capt. Tim Bowers, who applied for the grant, said he is hoping the cameras can be bought and installed by the beginning of the school year.
Mullane noted the cameras will allow school officials to "always know who is coming and going."
Signs will also be posted at all entrances letting visitors know there is 24-hour surveillance.
"I believe this will deter would-be criminals," the principal said.
Increased funds: More state and federal money has been made available for school security since the Columbine High School shootings a few years ago, Mullane said, noting that some of it goes unclaimed each year.
Bowers noted that with the new equipment, police will be able to access the cameras through the Internet so that they will be able to look inside the doorways of the school.
"This will really help us if something major happens at the school and we need to determine what is going on inside the building," Bowers said. "I'd also like to find out if we would be able to access the cameras from a mobile unit."
Bowers noted that Niles police were able to secure a similar grant last year.
"We installed the equipment at Niles McKinley High School in September, and it's worked out great for us," said Police Chief Bruce Simeone. "We've been able to access the cameras from our station."
Simeone said Niles police have not had any major problems at the school but said the cameras provide added security.