MTA Considers Using London's Surveillance System

By Gigi Barnett
WJZ 13
Feb. 27, 2006

Baltimore, Md. Maryland's Mass Transit Administration (MTA) has found a new way to beef up security against terrorist attacks. Next week, MTA officials and the MTA Police force will head to London to evaluate a new security surveillance system called Closed Circuit TV (CCTV). London police used CCTV to identify the suspects in last year's subway bombings.

Officials have proposed to use CCTV, which satisfies all Homeland Security requirements, at all MTA rail and subway stations.

On July 7, 2005, London Police used the 360-degree rotation of the CCTV cameras to identify four suspected terrorists who were linked to the bombings.

WJZ's Gigi Barnett spoke to MTA Chief Doug DeLeaver before he boards next week's flight to London.

"We are ready to put this system into our system if it proves...that this is what we need," DeLeaver says. "I want to see them for myself."

DeLeaver tells WJZ's Barnett that even if MTA officials decide to use the CCTV system, the number one defense against terrorist attacks is still the passenger.

"Our passengers are our greatest eyes and ears. I have a statement--If you see something, say something. Our passengers are our greatest assets out there."

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