Following latest actions by legislation enforcement, Miami-Dade County College Board Member Roberto J. Alonso has launched a board merchandise searching for a full, unbiased audit of the district’s College Bus Security Program.
This follows a brief pause in enforcement introduced by the Miami-Dade Sheriff. Alonso is pushing for a clear evaluate of how this system operates, emphasizing the crucial position it performs in pupil security.
Final month, Miami-Dade County suspended its School Bus Safety Citation Program efficient instantly, following the invention of great system errors that impacted drivers’ means to correctly reply to visitors violations. This system, which launched on Could 8, 2024, used cameras mounted on college buses to catch drivers illegally passing stopped buses or rushing close to them.
Whereas it aimed to extend pupil security, Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz stated the initiative was marred by points with uniform visitors citations and notices of violation — a few of which incorrectly listed a $225 tremendous.
“Whereas the unique intent of this initiative was to reinforce pupil security utilizing superior expertise, latest developments have raised legitimate considerations that should be addressed head-on,” stated Alonso. “We owe it to our households, college students, and college personnel to make sure that this program is functioning legally, ethically, and successfully.”
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The College Bus Security Program makes use of camera-based methods put in on buses to catch drivers who illegally cross stopped college buses displaying cease alerts. Below Florida legislation, such violations carry a $200 civil tremendous and could also be enforced via third-party distributors answerable for detection and administrative providers.
Alonso’s proposal instructs the College Board’s Chief Auditor to look at this system intimately—together with procurement procedures, vendor choice, contract execution, and monetary oversight. The audit may even assess how income from this system has been dealt with and whether or not this system’s outcomes align with its meant security targets. Moreover, the audit will contemplate how present or potential authorized adjustments might affect this system’s enforcement or authority.
“That is about restoring public belief and guaranteeing we’re doing all the pieces in our energy to guard college students safely and responsibly,” Alonso said. “We’re taking a proactive method—not solely to deal with the considerations which have been raised but additionally to make sure this program meets the very best requirements of transparency and accountability.”
Alonso burdened that the audit ought to be seen as a optimistic step to strengthen this system’s integrity and its authentic mission of defending college students.
“We have now heard from mother and father, educators, and group leaders. Now it’s time for motion. A radical audit will enable us to maneuver ahead with readability, confidence, and a renewed dedication to doing what’s proper.”
