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CTA Adds Cameras As Crime On Transit System Drops

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Emanuel administration says the Chicago Transit Authority now has surveillance cameras on just about every conveyance, and crime is coming down, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.

Mayor Emanuel says the installation of more than 800 security cameras on CTA rail cars means the coverage is almost complete.

"You have a complete saturation, 23,000 cameras throughout the system, making sure that our riders have safe, reliable and secure rides on the public transportation system," said Emanuel.

CTA Adds Cameras As Crime On Transit System Drops

CTA President Forest Claypool says the cameras are having an effect.

"In 2013, cameras led to the arrest of more than 200 individuals for the entire year. The cameras, combined with other new crime-fighting initiatives, are clearly having a positive impact on crimes being committed on the transit system," said Claypool.

He says the expansion of cameras at the CTA coincides with a 26 percent decrease in serious crimes of the first three months of this year.

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