Federally Funded Security System Keeps Eye On Tri-Rail Passengers
Law enforcement officials in Florida’s Broward and Palm Beach counties will greatly benefit from a new $1.1 million security system aboard the Tri-Rail commuter rail line, according to officials. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has funded the security system, but the chances of a terrorist attack on the commuter train remain low.
The security system allows officials to monitor commuters from a flat video screen at the head of the train. Globe-like cameras, about the size of a softball, have been mounted to the ceiling inside every car of the train, which carries approximately 10,000 to 12,000 passengers a day.
Sheriff’s deputies from Broward and Palm Beach counties patrol the trains, along with Wackenhut security guards. Passengers have reported 151 incidents of common crime, such as disorderly conduct and vandalism, from July 2005 to June 2006, according to Tri-Rail.
“The cameras are just another layer of security we’re providing for our passengers,” says Brad Barkman, operations director for Tri-Rail. “It’s better to be prepared than be sorry.”
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (FL) (07/23/06) P. 1B; Turnbell, Michael .