NCJ Number
74895
Journal
Security Management Volume: 25 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1981) Pages: 41-44
Date Published
1981
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Topics discussed at a national conference on mass trasit crime and vandalism and resolutions which were adopted are reviewed.
Abstract
The New York State Senate Committee on Transportation organized the conference as a means of exploring the common causes and effects of transit crime. Participants explained that newer subway systems, such as the system in Washington, D.C., are increasing security by constructing stations and passages to include unobstructed lines of observation, straight escalators, adequate lighting, and closed circuit television. For the older systems, however, more uniformed and plain clothes transit police may be the only means for improving security. Citizens can also aid in transit crime prevention, and efforts should be made to publicize their roles. Because cities alone will not be able to finance the needed improvements in security, both State and Federal funds will be required. Among the resolutions adopted were calls for a program of studies to determine the effects of transit crime on ridership levels, a nationwide uniform reporting system for transit crime, State statutes providing civil immunity for transit employees who protect the safety of pasengers in emergency situations, and experimental projects to combat graffiti. In addition, resolutions urged local transportation and planning agencies to give passenger security an increased priority in the modernization of transit systems; recommended investigating the use of innovative alarms and tracking systems and studying ways to reduce juvenile crime in transit systems; and called for operators to upgrade marketing efforts aimed at increasing ridership in off-peak periods to relieve anxiety and the perception of crime during those hours. No references are given.