New Government Center MBTA Station A Model For Subway Security
BOSTON (CBS) - One day before the terror attacks in Brussels, the MBTA unveiled its newly reconstructed Government Center Station, which happens to boast the latest, most high-tech security the T system has ever had.
"It's kind of our model for security," said MBTA Security Director Rob Creedon.
The station has more than tripled its number of police call boxes and surveillance cameras. There are 150 high megapixel cameras, including one on every door at the station. Each shows a crisp color image with so much detail, even a tiny piece of litter on the ground shows up.
New laser detection software alerts authorities when anything enters a train tunnel, or moves any door, escalator, or elevator in Government Center. "If somebody does go into that area, we'll know," said Creedon.
The system is integrated with camera operations, which automatically capture images when there's a breach. "The model is to tie in as many points as we can into a camera shot and give people who are answering alarms like our security desk as much information as we can."
Since terror attacks like the ones in Brussels have kept Homeland Security at the top of the priority list, Creedon says the MBTA's goal is to implement the same features at every other station.