Some APS school bus cameras aren't working

ATLANTA — Parents are concerned about safety after discovering cameras on some of Atlanta Public School buses are not working.

"It makes me really sad that they have that technology that they are not using," said parent Jenny Nix.

Channel 2 Action News discovered the problems with the bus cameras could be widespread, after filing an open records request to obtain information about a school bullying incident. An APS school administrator said they were having issues with the hard drives recording video on all of the buses.

Juzir Leavine said he has been bullied and attacked by older children on his bus since the start of school.

His mother, La Shawn Leavine, said her request for video to figure out which of the children were responsible was denied.

"What they tell you is that you have to go through this chain of command, which takes weeks, yet these children constantly get on the bus every day," Leavine said.

Nix said she worries about wasted taxpayer dollars.

"There are resources that don't take money, but just take action that are not being used," Nix said.

"There is no requirement for cameras on the inside of buses. However, APS currently uses cameras with DVR technology. The DVR technology requires the cameras to be physically removed and taken into the shop for manual downloads. This can cause damage to the hard drives. APS is testing a new program that is wireless. The new system will automatically download data when buses return to the depot," said Mikkal Hart Murunga, a spokesperson for the Atlanta Public Schools.

Channel 2 Action News brought the problem to the attention of APS Board President Reuben McDaniel.

"It is disturbing. I don't know what 'a lot' is, but one camera not working is one too many," McDaniel said.

McDaniel planned to call APS administrators Sunday night to try to get to the bottom of the issue and figure out what protocols are in place.

WSBTV