Directs the New York city transit authority and metropolitan transportation authority to ensure the proper operation of security cameras at subway stations and…

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Leroy Comrie says this is needed

Right now, the New York National Guard has been activated to patrol subways due to multiple shooting incidents on the subway. Additionally, while the numbers of overall crime do not support the idea that the subway is "unsafe," it certainly would provides riders a great deal of peace of mind knowing the camera systems on the subway actually work. This bill directs the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to make sure every security camera is functional. Ensuring that all security cameras in New York City's subway system are operational is essential to the safety of customers. While it is already a goal of MTA to ensure cameras function properly, the provisions of this bill would provide them added responsibility in that effort. Back in 2010, Mayor Michael Bloomberg acknowledged that "a lot of those cameras don't work" when published reports indicated that about half of subway station security cameras were inoperative. Where instances of injuries and fatalities on New York City subway tracks have escalated in recent years, it is important for security cameras to be in constant operation to collect adequate evidence of criminal activity, and to be both preventative for possible criminals, and ensure that folks who break our laws on the subway are held accountable in the criminal justice system.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.