The Bridgeport Police Department is being criticized after an officer working as a crossing guard allegedly refused to help two sisters in potential danger because he said he was off duty.

Officials say the incident happened Monday afternoon on Hamilton and Pembroke streets. The girls, ages 7 and 13, had allegedly been approached by two men in a car while walking home from school and were asked "inappropriate questions."

Their mother, Gloria Byfield, says her daughters ran up to a uniformed police officer who was working as a crossing guard and asked for help. Byfield says he told them that he was off duty and switching shifts, and that they should go home and have their mom complain to the police.

City Councilwoman Mary McBride Lee says the police officer made a serious mistake. Assistant Police Chief James Nardozzi says he has beefed up patrols in the area and will be investigating the officer's actions.

Police say Lt. Paul Grech, who is in charge of school security, met with Byfield Thursday afternoon. He says the results of that interview will be factored into his investigation.