Chicago Police Department Unveils Upgraded Space for Crime Tracking on CTA
Introduction to the Upgraded Space
Chicago police and the Chicago Transit Authority are teaming up to crack down on crime. A new and improved space dedicated to state-of-the-art technology, aimed at reducing and tracking crime on the CTA, is now operational, to achieve quicker response times. The upgraded space inside the First Police District allows officers to monitor transit stops and stations across the entire city.
Addressing Safety Concerns
Like many Chicagoans, riding the CTA is a common and frequently used mode of transportation for David Fink. He told WGN-TV that he typically avoids the "L" at night as a precaution, however. "What would make me feel better about riding the train at night is the people riding the train acting respectfully in a way that is socially acceptable," he said. To help address ongoing safety concerns on and around CTA buses and trains, CPD and CTA have both upgraded their public transportation SDSC room inside the First District.
Enhanced Technology and Collaboration
"We look at multiple locations throughout the city. It’s not just one location," said CPD Commander Albert Oseguera. Each of the city’s 22 police districts has an SDSC room, where officers use technology to monitor and analyze crime. This enhanced space at the First District is dedicated solely to tracking CTA locations throughout the city. Until recently, public transportation officers staffed the room, but now they’re joined by robbery task force detectives.
(photo credit: WGN Reporter Jewell Hillery)
(photo credit: WGN Reporter Jewell Hillery)
(photo credit: WGN Reporter Jewell Hillery)
Impact and Effectiveness
"We come up with plans for prevention, and this is why we have the robbery team embedded. The robbery team has done an excellent job across the city in bringing robberies down by over 30 percent, but we need to focus more on CTA, and with their expertise, that’s going to help us do it," said CPD Supt. Larry Snelling. The cameras police are monitoring are in real-time, allowing them to share information with officers in the field more quickly. Chief of Detectives Antoinette Ursitti believes the work in the SDSC room helped deploy officers faster, over the Fourth of July weekend, to the CTA’s Clark and Lake stops, where a man was fatally beaten.
Conclusion
The Chicago Police Department’s upgraded space for crime tracking on the CTA is a significant step towards improving safety and reducing crime on public transportation. With the collaboration of CPD and CTA, and the use of advanced technology, the city is better equipped to address safety concerns and prevent incidents. The real-time monitoring of cameras and the strategic deployment of resources will help to create a safer environment for commuters.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the upgraded space in the First Police District?
A: The upgraded space is dedicated to state-of-the-art technology aimed at reducing and tracking crime on the CTA, to achieve quicker response times.
Q: How many CTA cameras do officers have access to in the SDSC room?
A: Officers have access to more than 33,000 CTA cameras, of which 5,000 operate in real-time.
Q: What is the impact of the robbery team’s expertise on CTA crime?
A: The robbery team has done an excellent job across the city in bringing robberies down by over 30 percent, and their expertise is expected to help reduce crime on the CTA.
