Security Cameras For Roosevelt Island's Streets - They'll Be Watching You!

You Tube Video of Police's I'll Be Watching You

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp. (RIOC) President Steve Shane's June 3 report included the following (Item 5d):

Security Cameras: The cables are in the process of being pulled to enable establishing a street security camera system. Expect it to be operational by mid summer.

I inquired of Mr. Shane:

Your last RIOC column indicated that a street security camera system was to be in place for Roosevelt Island by mid-summer.

Can you provide any additional details as to why RIOC finds this necessary to do and what, if any precautions are being undertaken to insure that privacy rights of citizens are being respected.

For instance, who will be monitoring the cameras, what type of training do they have and how long will the security footage be stored. Are the same protocols and training as established by NYPD being followed

Also, if security cameras are being installed, why not post the live feed on the RIOC web site?

Mr. Shane replied:

The subject of street cameras for security purposes was discussed at a RIOC Board meeting. The privacy rights of individuals on the public thoroughfares of RI should not be an issue. The necessity is one of public security in an era of increasing density, pressure on budget and the recommendations of those who are trained in these matters. The cameras will be monitored in Public Safety.

I refer you to Chief Guerra for answers to training and storage. This is not an entertainment medium, so live feeds on the RIOC website do not seem to be appropriate. At a later stage, perhaps for a view of the tennis courts or basketball courts to see whether there is availability, for instance, maybe.

Interesting article in NY Times on street security cameras that asks the question if the Big Apple has become the Big Eyeball.

... Cities — New York in particular, and Times Square most of all — used to be places to lose yourself in the thrilling anonymity of a crowd, to find yourself reflected in the eyes of strangers. Of course, no one really disappears now; we all leave a trace. But as urban legends go it remains a powerful one. It’s hard to adjust to the idea that cities — New York in particular, and Times Square most of all — are now places where unseen watchers can monitor your every move...

and WPIX reports that everyone coming into NYC will be photographed by some sort of surveillance video.


Not all video surveillance systems work properly. Gothamist reports on the MTA's problems with security cameras:

The MTA has admitted that only 46% of the city's 4,100 subway cameras are hooked up to working recording devices, and that installing 910 more will end up costing them over $21 million—exactly the amount they saved by firing all those station agents! The four-year project faced problems because of tech glitches and software failure from TAP Electrical, who were hired to build a network to store the information from all 910 new cameras. That combined with different types of cameras with different hookups installed under different branches of the MTA has lead to an expensive and possibly dangerous security failure...

As reported in earlier post, here's one use of the Roosevelt Island security cameras:

The Manhattan Tram Station booth attendant will be eliminated and replaced with Public Safety Officers at both stations during rush hours as well as 24 hour seven day security cameras.