New York, NY - Cops Rip Tunnels Cam Plan

New York, NY - The MTA is ready to replace cops stationed at key bridges and tunnels with cameras, a move union officials say could compromise security.

The agency's 2007 budget recommends eliminating 18 of these footposts and installing cameras, intrusion detection services and alarms.
An MTA official would not confirm specific locations or discuss details of its security plans, but sources say the Midtown Tunnel and the Verrazano Bridge are among the posts involved. "The MTA is committed to bringing the latest technological advances to ensure the safety of its customers, employees and infrastructure," an agency spokeswoman said.

But bridge and tunnel cops, and their union, say the proposed changes are putting the city and commuters at risk. "Cameras are fine, but you still need a person in these locations to react to problems," said Joe Mauro, president of the Bridge and Tunnel Officers Benevolent Association. "Otherwise all we'll have is video footage of a terrorist waving to the camera."
"Right now, if there is a problem, you have a person on the scene, which is better than seeing a problem on a video monitor and having to dispatch someone to deal with it," said a veteran officer. "We won't have the luxury of time."