Think about the logistics involved with security and safety that go along with managing any large-scale event. Then think about Times Square in New York City on New Year’s Eve. The potential for disaster doesn’t get much greater than it does at that event. And that’s where the use of wireless video surveillance cameras comes in.
In this age of terrorism, you will find a variety of precautions taking place in Times Squares and the Manhattan Borough prior to the mammoth New Year’s Eve celebration. For example, metal barriers will be positioned for blocks around the square to aid with funneling the crowds. Kept in reserve will be numerous wooden sawhorses nested on their sides adjacent to the curbs on Broadway. And to complement the video surveillance cameras in use, there will be undercover police officers who will continuously circulate through the hordes of people that show up.
High above the video surveillance cameras on Times Square, additional officers will be placed on top of buildings to scan the activity below. No-nos in the area include backpacks and alcohol. Traffic will be blocked off, and there will be no parking on the streets. Equipment that senses airborne chemical or radiological substances will be implemented, and a police helicopter with sophisticated communications gear will patrol the skies.
New Year’s Eve at Times Square has become more of an entertainment event over the past few years, closely monitored by law enforcement and video surveillance cameras. One city official mentioned that even with better-behaved crowds, security for New Year’s Eve has been increased over previous years. He went on to explain that the makeup of today’s crowd is now largely tourists, as opposed to 10 years ago, when most participants were local residents.
But it’s just not New Year’s Eve at Times Square that demands the use of video surveillance cameras in New York City. Another security phase is underway in the borough of Manhattan that will significantly expand the coverage of some 40,000 cameras—private and public—which are already in operation. To fund what has become known as the “Manhattan Security Initiative,” the New York Police Department has made application for $75 million in federal funds to be provided by a Homeland Security grant. If approved, $21 million of those funds will go toward the purchase and installation of video surveillance cameras and related equipment that will cover Midtown over an area from 34th to 59th streets, river to river.
Adding more video surveillance cameras will help in addressing another problem the NYPD faces, whether it’s New Year’s Eve or during the regular work week—the loss of personnel through attrition. Since federal grant dollars are not available for replacement officers, the use of video surveillance cameras will hopefully bridge the gap caused by having fewer boots on the streets.
So the next time you’re in Times Square or in any of America’s bustling cities—day or night—don’t be surprised if you end up on “candid camera.” Video surveillance cameras are fast becoming as commonplace as stop lights.
For more information about wireless video surveillance cameras, call one of BearCom’s 28 branches across the U.S., visit the BearCom Web site, or contact me at Wireless.Woman@BearCom.com.
