Chicago’s Mayor Rahm Emmanuel announced the Chicago Transit Authority’s multimillion dollar investment over the weekend. Despite a $200 million deficit anticipated for 2012, the CTA has decided to cough up $15 million for the project, which was conceived back in June. More than 1000 security cameras have been installed in stations across the city in an effort to make Chicago commutes safer.
Fox News reported that the cameras are strategically placed to garner multiple views of the city. Mayor Emmanuel claims the technology is already showing results. “Two sites, one here at Loyola station and the other at Armitage, those cameras were essential in catching two incidents, two criminals that were committing crimes or had committed crimes and that’s an indication of how technology can be helpful,” said the mayor.
Earlier this week, a woman was stabbed to death inside the Felix Hotel in downtown Chicago. Security cameras were used to apprehend the perpetrator, a one Christopher Love. Love was caught on surveillance cameras situated at the Armitage Station.
The decision has come under some criticism from citizens hesitant to further drain an already-depleted treasury. Emmanuel, however, defended the decision on the grounds that the impending 10% reduction in staff will cover the losses suffered by the camera instalaltions.
Others have criticized the cameras as an ineffective crime deterrent. Miguel Fuentes, Director of the Guardian Angels, a volunteer citizen patrol unit, had the following to share on the topic: “Regardless of whether you have a camera or not, people may and will still commit crimes. You might have the cameras but the key is community involvement. If you see something, notify a CTA employee or notify the police department.”
Detractors notwithstanding, the CTA’s decision to implement security cameras will, in all likelihood, ensure a safer commute for Chicagoans.