In an effort to crack down on crime on and around Chicago's extensive "El" train network, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has installed cameras at 24 Green Line stations (AP, via bnd.com).
While the CTA claims to now have 1,657 cameras at 73 stations, the agency hopes to have at least one camera at every station by the summer.
The CTA also announced a new pilot program to determine whether or not it makes sense to retrofit the train cars with cameras as well. Expected to begin this spring, the program will look at cost and efficiency concerns.
Funding from the Dept. of Homeland Security to the tune of $22.6 million is being used for the project, according to a CTA press release: $4 million was used for the Green Line installations, $9 million is slated for additional expansion of cameras and the rest will be used "to further enhance the CTA's security network."
Federal grants ($800,000 from the Federal Transit Authority) also are being used for the aforementioned pilot program.
Fourteen crimes were reported at just three of the 24 total Green Line stations in 2009, according to data from Everyblock Chicago compiled by Chicago Now. Crimes included aggravated battery, robbery, deceptive practice and pick-pocketing. The CTA rail system reported an increase of crime from 2008 to 2009.
The new cameras are high-definition, which police say will help them better identify suspected criminals.
- CTA completes installation of Green Line security cameras (WBBM Chicago)
- Critical View of Video Surveillance (Electronic Privacy Information Center)
- Contact a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney (FindLaw)
ShareThis
