Chicago Transit Authority Upgrades Security Cameras Following Crime Spike

A significant increase in crime surrounding Chicago's rail system leads to upgraded surveillance cameras.

• By Sydny Shepard
• Jan 22, 2019

The Chicago Transit Authority is in the process of installing a number of high-definition security cameras across the rail system following a number of incidence of criminal activity. 

The cameras are part of the city's Safe & Secure program that was announced by Mayor Rahm Emanuel earlier this year. The program looks to increase the safety measures throughout the CTA system to promote a more security travel experience.

At the end of 2018, CTA had installed nearly 500 cameras across the Red, Blue and Brown lines, according to a press release. 

"CTA customers expect and deserve the kind of investments that benefit their daily commutes and boost their overall riding experience," Emanuel said. "Public art and security are two of the many tools we're using to keep CTA the option of choice for Chicago commuters."

When the program was announced, Safe & Secure had the goal of upgrading over 3,800 older model cameras and add an additional 1,000 new cameras. The program is a $33 million investment that will likely take several years to complete.

Many locals have pointed to a number of crimes that have taken place in recent months as the justification to the heightened security throughout the CTA. A video from late December went viral on social media, showing a couple being attacked by a group of young men at the Chicago Red Line station. The man suffered from bone fractures, abrasions and lacerations, according to the police.

Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the new high definition cameras will help aid police in finding the suspects of crimes that take place in the vicinity of the rail stations.