Officials announce $1M in funding for cameras near Philly schools impacted by gun violence

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia leaders on Monday announced funding to install 100 security cameras near public schools impacted by gun violence, according to a press release.City council, along with Mayor Jim Kenney and Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, backed incoming legislation that includes $1.8M to fund a minimum of 100 security cameras near 15 schools where students have been victims of gun violence while traveling to and from the school building.

The School District of Philadelphia's Safety Office and the Philadelphia Police Department collaborated to select the list of schools.

More school and cameras may be added as the program is implemented, officials said.City Council President Darrell L. Clarke, who represents North Central Philadelphia, will introduce the legislation when council meets this week. "We need every child to be safe as they go to school, and come home later in the day," Clarke said. "These cameras are a good start, and they’ll lend "eyes" to law enforcement officials working very hard to keep our kids safe from harm.A 17-year-old high school student was shot and killed shortly after dismissal at Bartram High School in Southwest Philadelphia, according to police.

Authorities have not reported any arrests and a motive remains unknown.Officials chose to publicly announce the proposed measure at John Bartram High School, where a student was shot and killed shortly after dismissal earlier this year.