High-Tech Surveillance Cameras Installed at Downtown, Dimond Transit Stations

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By KTVA CBS 11
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Story Created: Feb 23, 2011 at 11:38 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 24, 2011 at 3:48 PM AKDT

New high-tech surveillance technology now makes riding the bus safer in Anchorage.

 People Mover has installed a digital video surveillance system at the downtown and Dimond transit stations.

Grants from the Federal Transit Administration funded the project to increase safety and security for not only those who ride the bus but also for residents in the vicinity of the stations.

“The community is different than it was 10 years ago,” said Jody Karcz, People Mover senior planner. “There are a lot of other issues that crop up and anything little we can do to show the public and make the public feel safer is a benefit.”

Transportation officials say with the new cameras security officers are able to respond to situations quicker, which also help Anchorage police officers do their job.

“Anywhere a police officer or security officer can walk around and watch what's going on there's no right to privacy. This is a protection issue, so people can use this, the security and police can use this to protect the public," said Lt. Dave Parker, Anchorage Police Department spokesperson.

Since the cameras went up last week transportation officials say they have already noticed a difference in patrons' behavior at the two bus stations.

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