Surveillance on Laval busses ramped up

The installation of the cameras began about a month ago, on some of the routes deemed most problematic. The measure is intended to prevent acts of violence against drivers, and random acts of vandalism such as graffiti and scratchfiti that add about $310,000 a year to the STL's operating costs.

"We're in the first phase of implementation," explains Odette Paré, head of quality control at the corporation, adding that the safety project will take until year's end to complete. "We have also set up a follow-up plan and we'll decide on what other measures to take once the results are in," says Mrs. Odette.

The plan, which has a price tag of $5000 per bus, calls for the installation of three cameras – at the front, the middle and the back. Mrs. Paré declined to reveal the project's total cost, so as to not divulge the exact number of busses to be equipped with electronic surveillance.

"We've had this project on the rails for about a year now, and we're starting to see the results," says Lieutenant Martin Légaré of Laval Police, adding that the city's Citizen's Protection Service for prevention, coordination and partnership conducted an extensive survey to determine the scope of the problem and the measures needed to create a feeling of safety and security aboard Laval busses. "The STL talked to us about electronic surveillance and we wanted to add repressive measures that would crack down on criminal acts on the busses," the police officer affirmed, explaining that there would be sporadic police presence along routes and places susceptible to acts of violence and vandalism.

Signs will be publicly posted on Laval busses warning riders about the presence of cameras and the likelihood of a police operation at work.

"With these projects in force, we're convinced that drivers and riders will feel much safer on Laval busses," states the police officer.

"Our members are very happy with these measures," he says. "We've already put forth all sorts of ideas to improve the situation and it's good to know that things will be straightened out. Everyone will now be safe on the busses."

(Photo: Martin Alarie)