CTA Plans to Install More Security Cameras

By Soyoung Kwak in News on May 22, 2010 7:00PM

Soon, every CTA train stop will be added to Chicago's growing camera complex. Using around $17.9 million dollars from a grant given by the Department of Homeland Security, the CTA will install at least one new surveillance cameras at all train stop entrances by the end of this month. Mayor Daley, an eloquent master of the English language, announced this new security plan yesterday at the Paulina Brown Line stop. This plan would gradually expand the number of surveillance cameras on both CTA buses and train stations from 1,800 to 3,000. That means by the end of this year, each of the rail stations could have about 20 security cameras each, allowing better monitoring of who enters and exists train stations in case crimes arise.

Although these security cameras could be of great help before crimes happen, Daley did state that "CTA cameras are not routinely monitored," and that footage from tapes are "mostly used to identify crime suspects after-the-fact." While the level of crime on CTA property declined slightly in 2009 compared to that of 2008, some crimes on the CTA are up in the first quarter this year. The new security cameras will be offer an additional level of security to the patrons of the CTA. Stations on the Green Line have already been equipped with new security cameras, and the Brown Line appears to be next in line. Additionally, Daley plans to see if it would be feasible to equip older rail cars with cameras later this year (the newer 5000-series cars all come equipped with security cameras, and all CTA buses have security cameras as well).