Security cameras might appear in all subway stations, if the MTA and local politicians have their way. Some stations have security cameras; most recently, nine stations in East New York had cameras installed, thanks to using an Assembly member using his MTA funds from the state. NYC Transit President Lawrence Reuter thinks security cameras are a "very good program to really drive down crime and allow us to make the system safer for customers." The digital cameras "beam images to monitors posted in front of the token booth with the footage kept for 30 days." As we believe in fighting subway crime, Gothamist supports these cameras, especially since regular citizens can photograph to our hearts' content. But Gothamist wonders if the MTA will feel motivated to bust up people who have fun with their signs.
The MTA itself cannot fund security cameras, because it's gasping for any money it can get for its regular operations. In fact, Albany delayed a vote on the MTA's budget once again.
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Just think Gladwell's tipping point. Focusing on the small nuicance crimes and small things in general can go a long way. It's what Bratton did when he was police chief in NY. Quality of life crimes must continue to be a focus in NYC. Cameras will obviously help especially with that slashing you just reported on.
Yeah, and just think, if enough people get used to be filmed in enough places, we might just get everyone to accept it and then we will all be "safer" or at least more docile. They really should start stuff like this with kids, so they can get used to it.
Yeah! Kids first, also get the kids to rat out relatives who oppose the state. This program for cameras is terrible, and the NYCLU hates it!
Shameless link to my own write up cause I dont feel like hunting down all the NYCLU statements and links again about the abuse of this:
http://www.onnyturf.com/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=40
eh, cameras in the subway are a bit less offensive than cameras on the street. Feels less invasive, less orwellian... rather see staffed booths, but this is hardly something to get up in arms about... airports and stores have had cameras for years - has that cut into civil rights?
You said they want to put the monitors in token booths.. So no one will be there to see the crime happen as it happens, but they can watch it later like TIVO. Cool!