Evanston Considers Security Cameras Around the High School

To stay up to date on this and other Evanston news, sign up for our free newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The subject of safety around the high school has been under debate for months as Evanston residents, aldermen and school board members clashed over a proposed resolution to create a "safe school zone" around the high school. Made possibly by an Illinois law passed in January 2012, the zone would allow police to arrest or cite people for trespassing who had been barred from school property and given proper notice. They could make those arrests within a radius that stretches from the school to the sidewalks on the other side of the street.

Neighbors said the extended policing powers would be a violation of civil rights, while school officials said they believed the safe school zone was simply an extension of something they were already doing--and an arrest would be a last resort.

Tisdahl is proposing that the city install security cameras along Dodge Avenue and Church Street, in order "to ensure safe passage for children walking to and from school," according to city documents.

Evanston Police Chief Richard Eddington is expected to present more information on the matter at Monday night's city council meeting. 

The city already has several cameras installed throughout Evanston, including a handful just north of the high school. There are two cameras at Emerson and Dodge, two cameras at Foster and Dodge and one camera at Simpson and Dewey, according to a city map. Other cameras are located downtown, near the Howard Street el and in James Park.

Community discussion meetings are scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave., and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.