CTA to accelerate security initiatives

Chicago Transit Authority President Forrest Claypool plans to double the number of security cameras across the rail system, while also working with police to enhance security for passengers. Under the plan, Chicago police will deploy teams, called Wolfpacks, as well as plainclothes officers to patrol the system. Cameras will be deployed along platforms and in other non-public secure areas in just six months. "Using this innovative approach, we will saturate our system with cameras, so that potential criminal activity is recorded no matter where it occurs," said Claypool. Images captured from CTA security camera footage have been used by police to solve both CTA-related crimes and crimes that occur in the vicinity of CTA buses and rail stations. After reviewing existing security measures, CTA and CPD also developed a plan to redeploy resources to adjust and upgrade coverage. Transit officers will be assigned to Wolfpack patrols that will be deployed across the system based on daily analysis of crime patterns and trends. "By quickly expanding our security camera network to include multiple cameras at all stations, we'll be better equipped to capture images of offenders and assist the police," added Chicago Transit Board Chairman Terry Peterson. "And by adjusting policing strategies, the public transit unit will provide an even greater deterrent to theft and hooliganism." Currently, there are nearly 1,500 security cameras installed and operating on rail stations and platforms. Each camera provides a live feed to the CTA control center and the city's Office of Emergency Management Communications. In addition to completing installation at stations, security cameras will also be added to CTA rail cars, although this initiative is still in the early stages.