Md. Skips on Cams for High Crime Metro Stops

State too cheap to bother?

Metro added 20 outdoor security cameras to head off crime at area rail stations, but the four stations with the highest number of crimes -- all in Maryland's Prince George's County -- weren't on the list.

The highest number of violent crimes last year happened at these stations, according to Metro crime stats:

  • New Carrollton station on the Orange Line;
  • Largo Town Center station on the Blue Line;
  • Suitland station on the Green Line; and,
  • College Park station on the Green Line

But surveillance cams aren't likely at those stations anytime soon, Maryland State transportation officials told the Times.

"The addition of external security cameras remains an option, but we have no plans to install them at this time," said Jack Cahalan, a spokesman for the Maryland Department of Transportation.

Meanwhile, the D.C. government forked over $200,000 for 17 cameras, and Fairfax County gave $75,000 for four cameras -- and that's why they got cameras, Metro officials told The Washington Times.  

Is Maryland too cheap to bother?  Cahalan told the Times that they're looking at other ways to improve security at stations and that different methods work better in different locations.

But Metro Transit Police Chief Michael Taborn has a different take.

 "Having cameras monitoring the streets leading to our stations gives us extra eyes...and helps us make the Metro system safer for our riders...," he said. 

Contact Us