CTA Finishes Surveillance Network Ahead of Schedule

By aaroncynic in News on Nov 22, 2011 2:30PM

The CTA has finished installing the extra 1,800 security cameras Mayor Emanuel promised over the summer, the Sun Times reports. The majority of the cameras were installed at 78 different stations which previously had none.

Some 3,000 total make up the network. CTA President Forrest Claypool said “We feel like this is about as close a saturation as you can get.” In addition to rail stations, newer model CTA cars come equipped with onboard cameras, which officials say will eventually provide real time data to police.

The cameras are used mainly for the purposes of identifying suspects and finding evidence after a crime. In addition, three to five officers monitor live feeds, which are also funneled into the 911 call center and each district. So far, police have sought footage in 153 cases. The Tribune reports the cameras have managed to contribute to the arrest of 47 suspected criminals. Funding came from a $16 million Homeland Security Project.

When prodded about the potential civil liberties concerns over a massive surveillance network, Mayor Emanuel didn't exactly respond, saying only “I don’t measure it that way...I measure it [in terms of] are we giving the people the insurance they need.” Currently, Chicago has more than 10,000 cameras scattered citywide, one of the largest and most integrated networks in the country.