CORRECTION: METRO Board Appproves Body Cameras

Metro Transit Authority of Harris County sent this bulletin at 04/29/2016 11:25 AM CDT

Media Hot Line 713.739.4040

Release Date:
April 28, 2016

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is the region’s largest public transit provider, offering safe, reliable and affordable transportation services about 370,000 times per day. Besides operating more than 1,200 buses on a New Bus Network,METRORail's expanded system includes the Red Line (Main Street and Northline), Green Line (East End) and Purple Line (Southeast). METRO’s services also include: STAR Vanpool, METROLift, HOV/HOT lanes, Bike & Ride program, Park & Ride, and road improvement projects. Learn more about METRO services at ridemetro.org where you will also find information about our T.R.I.P. app, and METRO's Next Bus Arrival texting.

METRO Police to Enhance Service with Body Cameras

In a move to strengthen service, the METRO Board unanimously approved issuing body cameras to METRO police (MPD) officers as part of their regular uniforms.

"Our officers are excited about this. We see this as an enhancement not only for our officers but for our employees and patrons," said MPD Chief Vera Bumpers.

The $184,125 contract with Watch Guard includes the purchase and implementation of the 195 cameras. They will provide new surveillance capability for security purposes. Each camera costs $699, and all officers as well as sergeants will wear the units.

"We are pleased to take this step. We expect this program to enhance our police department from an investigative and training perspective as well as strengthen community trust in law enforcement with increased transparency and accountability," said Board Chair Carrin Patman.

METRO Police Dept. Statistics

191 Officers

1,285 Square mile service area

4,500 Incidents handled monthly (on average)

Anticipated delivery and roll-out of the new security program is projected to take six months.

Camera data is planned for storage on MPD's video management system for 90 days unless it is classified as evidence. Storage of the video data will require the purchase of additional hardware with an estimated cost of $253,015.

This measure is just one of several initiatives MPD has adopted to improve security and service on the system. The MPD Connect app allows riders to reach police with just a tap of a button on their smart phones.

Please do not reply to this message. We are unable to respond to inquiries sent to this email account. Contact the METRO Press Office at 713-739-4040.

STAY CONNECTED:

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe | Help

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

This service is provided to you at no charge by Metro Transit Authority of Harris County.