They will help, but the behavior most folks who might choose to ride the trains and buses are concerned about is the kind that needs a regular security officer presence.
Police presence is what deters the threatening public behavior keeping people from frequenting public space viewed as unsafe, whether it is on light rail/buses, at the downtown mall, or on the Parkway.
RT cameras watching you
Devices posted at all 47 stations so riders can feel more secure.
By Tony Bizjak - tbizjak@sacbee.com
Published 12:00 am PST Saturday, December 8, 2007
Transit riders bothered by scofflaws and other bad actors at light-rail stations are about to get some relief.
Sacramento Regional Transit last week launched live video surveillance from overhead cameras at all 47 light-rail stations.
The cameras send real-time feeds to a downtown command center where guards at computer screens can, with the click of a mouse, pivot cameras and zoom in so close they can practically read lips or see what someone has in his or her hand.
RT security officials say they still are working out kinks, but they trumpet the system as an important step in making transit safer – and improving transit's shaky image.
Warning signs went up in recent weeks at stations, officials said, letting people know: You may be watched.
"People are concerned about issues at stations, and we are taking public concerns seriously," RT interim General Manager Mike Wiley said.
