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Buses
On buses, where
the only authority figure on board is usually the driver (who clearly has his
or her hands full), it's hard to maintain a tight level of security. Video surveillance
cameras are working to help solve this problem. Many buses are now equipped
with security cameras. By functioning as deterrents to criminal activity and
inappropriate behavior, these cameras provide passengers and drivers with an
added sense of security, and can also supply valuable evidence during criminal
investigations.
Benefits of Surveillance
Cameras on Buses
- Protect
drivers – Bus drivers must put a lot of faith in their passengers
acting appropriately. Unfortunately, one never knows what type of riders will
step onto the bus on any given day. The presence of onboard security cameras
can help in deterring and investigating unacceptable behavior and aggressive
outbursts directed towards drivers.
- Enforce
rider regulations – Bus rules and regulations are easier to enforce
with a second set of eyes. It's common for buses to feature signs which mention
the presence of video surveillance. Riders who know they're under watch are
more likely to follow rules, pay bus fares, and obey driver orders.
- Prevent
theft – Onboard security cameras monitor bus activity, and act as
preventative measure against acts of theft between riders.
- Deter
violence – The unpredictable nature of bus passengers throughout
the day can at times lead to violent incidents. Such an incident could stem
from an argument between riders, or a passenger under the influence of alcohol
or drugs losing composure. Surveillance cameras can monitor for such unsavory
activity, enabling operators to alert authorities should an incident break
out.
- Enhance
passenger safety – Users of the bus system want to be confident that
their mode of transportation is a safe one. Onboard video surveillance cameras
give riders the assurance that authorities are doing everything in their power
to provide a high level of security.
- Crime
investigation – Footage from onboard security cameras can prove valuable
in criminal investigations of incidents taking place on buses as well as outside
crimes involving specific suspects whose images may be uncovered.
Risks of Video
Surveillance on Buses
- Privacy
– Some bus drivers are concerned that onboard security cameras will be used
to tightly monitor their every move. Heading these concerns, some bus systems
have chosen to not target cameras directly at drivers, but rather the areas
around them so as to still provide driver security without breaching their
privacy.
- Vandalism
– If a rider tampers with the onboard security cameras, there should be backup
security measure in place in the event that a video signal is lost.
Examining Onboard
Surveillance Systems for Buses
Consider the following
factors when determining what level of video surveillance is required for a
specific bus system:
- What kind of
security measures does the bus system currently have in place?
- Does the bus
system work closely with the police department in its safety efforts?
- Do some bus
routes travel through high-crime neighborhoods, thus requiring special attention
in terms of security?
- How late do
the buses run?
- Have there
been reported incidents of theft on the buses?
- Is there a
history of onboard fights and violent acts between riders?
- How safe do
drivers currently feel?
- Is it common
for riders to refuse to properly pay bus fares?
- Is there a
history of incidents between riders and bus drivers?
Installation
Advice for Security Cameras on Buses
- Position a
camera at the front of the bus that captures clear images of passengers as
they enter.
- In order to
enhance driver safety, consider a camera that can monitor interaction between
riders and drivers.
- Use video surveillance
to monitor all bus exits.
- Install cameras
that provide views of the entire passenger section of the bus in order to
watch for inappropriate rider behavior and acts of theft and violence.
- Consider cameras
that provide exterior views of the bus and the areas around it
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