Video Surveillance Uses by Rail Transit Agencies: A Synthesis of Transit Practice

Description

This report explores the current use of electronic video surveillance technology solely by passenger rail agencies onboard railcars, along rights-of-way, and more.



This synthesis report includes the following items:
• Latest technology;
• Storage, access, and sharing of video;
• Chain of custody for legal purposes;
• System value and performance;
• Operations and maintenance issues;
• Validation of vendor claims;
• Public access to records;
• Lessons learned;
• Ancillary benefits;
• Staffing for video monitoring;
• Evidence of increased public perception of security;
• Equipment integration issues.

CONTENTS
SUMMARY
CHAPTER ONE. INTRODUCTION
Project Background and Objectives
Methodology and Scope
Report Organization
CHAPTER TWO. DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRONIC VIDEO SURVEILLANCE IN TRANSIT SYSTEMS
History of Electronic Video Surveillance in Transit
Video Surveillance and Risk Management
Expanding the Definition of Risk
The London Underground’s Influence on Transit Surveillance Systems
Use of Surveillance by Transit Systems Worldwide
Use of Video Surveillance by Canadian Transit Systems
Video Surveillance and Public Perceptions of Safety and Security
CHAPTER THREE. HOW TRANSIT AGENCIES USE VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
Introduction
Stations, Station Platforms, and Shelters
Onboard Railcars
Parking Facilities
Storage Yards, Other Yards, and Administrative Areas
Right-of-Way Surveillance
CHAPTER FOUR. ADMINISTRATIVE CONSIDERATIONS IN THE USE OF ELECTRONIC VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
Introduction
Deciding Where to Install Video Surveillance
Funding Video Surveillance Systems
Perceived Effectiveness of Video Surveillance
Monitoring Video Cameras—When and by Whom
Video Surveillance System Features
Video Analytics
Archiving, Retaining and Accessing Surveillance Images
Video Surveillance as a Forensic Tool
Patron and Employee Awareness and Perceptions of Video Surveillance
CHAPTER FIVE. CASE STUDIES
Introduction
Case Study 1 Altamont Commuter Express, San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, California
Case Study 2 Metro Transit, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Case Study 3 Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Houston, Texas
Case Study 4 Port Authority of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Case Study 5 Valley Metro Rail, Phoenix, Arizona
CHAPTER SIX. CONCLUSIONS
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
REFERENCES
LITERATURE REVIEW [ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY]
APPENDIX A. SYNTHESIS QUESTIONNAIRE
APPENDIX B. QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONDENTS