Metro News Release

For immediate release: June 26, 2008

Cameras recommended for 10 Metrorail stations in the District of Columbia

The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) identified 10 Metrorail stations in the District of Columbia where external surveillance cameras could help to deter and prevent crime, and assist police with criminal investigations.

MTPD Chief Michael Taborn named the Anacostia, Rhode Island Avenue, Congress Heights, Deanwood, Minnesota Avenue, Fort Totten, Takoma, Brookland-CUA, Tenleytown and Potomac Avenue as Metrorail stations in the District of Columbia that could benefit from having crime cameras. His recommendations were based on crime statistics and the need for security enhancements at these stations.

“Adding cameras to these Washington, D.C., stations will help make the Metro system safer. It will give us extra eyes to see what’s going on in and around our system,” said Chief Taborn. “The cameras also will reassure the public that we’re looking out for them and can be a good investigatory tool.”

The list of stations came at the request of Metro Board Member and DC Council Member Jim Graham. Graham has worked to secure funding from the District of Columbia to install the cameras at select Metrorail stations and anticipates that the first cameras could be in place this fall.

“The District of Columbia wants a greater sense of security and public safety around the Metro stations, and we think exterior cameras will help that,” Graham said.

An exterior camera was installed at the west entrance of the U St/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metrorail in November 2006. The camera is clearly visible to the public and since its installation, reported crime has remained consistently low at the station. One assault has been reported in 2008 and an arrest has been made.

Metro has an extensive network of cameras inside Metrorail stations and on Metrobuses.

News release issued at 2:12 pm, June 26, 2008.