The City of New Port Richey is responsible for three public schools in its jurisdiction: Richey Elementary School, Gulf Middle School, and Gulf High School. School safety is paramount for the police department, and the schools all have surveillance cameras positioned throughout their campuses. Having camera access will allow New Port Richey Police Department personnel to have access to real-time (live) video feeds and recorded video feeds from SBPC's surveillance cameras when active circumstances at a school facility require an immediate law enforcement response. Access to these cameras enhances our ability to safeguard school students, school personnel, and school property.
New Port Richey Police personnel will only have limited access during essential situations to view the footage from the surveillance cameras. The agreement does not allow the police department to access the cameras for general surveillance purposes, and there are provisions in the agreement that protect students' privacy rights. Once again, this limited access will enhance our ability during critical incidents to protect students, faculty, and responding officers.
City Attorney Tim Driscoll reviewed this mutual aid agreement and approved the agreement as to form.