Originally published September 14 2005
New York transit authority to spend $212 million to install cameras in subways and buses
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In the wake of criticism stemming from the London transit bombings, the New York Transit Authority is about to grant $212 million to Lockheed Martin to install 1,000 surveillance cameras, 3,000 sensors and other equipment to detect potential attacks in New York's subway stations, bus lines, bridges and tunnels.
Under a three-year contract, defense contractor Lockheed Martin will install 1,000 surveillance cameras, 3,000 sensors and other equipment to detect potential attacks against New York's subway stations, bridges and tunnels, said Katherine Lapp, executive director of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
"We hope (this) will detect the terrorists before an incident happens, not just be able to report for forensic purposes after an incident happens and identify who the terrorist is," Lapp said.
Using an array of sensors, closed-circuit television and software, the new technology will spot unattended packages that may contain bombs and alert transit employees to unauthorized intruders in its tunnels and other sensitive areas.
But it will not be able to detect explosives placed inside garbage cans or on train cars, Lapp and a Lockheed official said.
The new system will not detect biological agents or explosives either, Lapp said, but the MTA is testing sensors for those potential threats and plans to add them later.
The contract is the first major piece of a $591 million security plan approved in 2002--following the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on the World Trade Center.
Subway workers have complained recently of a lack of adequate training for what to do in emergencies.
A team of companies led by Lockheed began installing cameras on Tuesday throughout subway stations.
Bombs placed on commuter trains and elsewhere killed 191 in Madrid on March 11, 2004.
Following a second attack in London in July, New York police began random bag searches of subway and bus passengers.
"This seems like a better idea than paying police overtime to search bags on the subway," Neysa Pranger of the Straphangers Campaign, a group representing commuters, said of the new security measures being put in place.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml