Tuesday, January 26, 2010

What will you pay for better security?

On Tuesday, a report was released from the state comptroller's office that there is not enough funding in order for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to go through with their plan of upgrading their security. This New York City Transit has been seen as a potential target for terrorism like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. MTA had earlier pledged to enact the proper security measures after the terrorism attack on 9/11.

All this commotion started with a defense contractor, Lockheed Martin, who sued the company last year. He argued that the company delayed the project and did not allow him to access the facilities. Authority stated that the contractor created faulty technology that couldn't pass the basic requirements.

Apparently they had $59 million (I believe its actually $591 million as stated later in the article) to work with in capital funding but they needed $833 million to undergo all the necessary renervations. They want to implement a electronic security system for all modes of transportation. So far, they have only covered the Long Island Rail Road, bridges and tunnels. Due to the money issues, these systems for the subway and bus system has been delayed.

Originally, they planned to create a survalliance that would detect abandoned packages left around. They still plan to implement this but authority board member, Norman Seabrook, believes even with this system, the guard layoffs and service cuts will not allow them to react fast enough to a potential danger.

Overall, I love their idea. Its good that they are trying to make all the necessary arrangements to protect people but an electronic system? Won't that be really easy to shut off? Its like the movies, bang and the camera is out. Another alternative is to hire more people with the money they have than put an expensive electronic system in! Well either way I am not really sure it will work. I am not really sure about the issue involving the contractor. I think the authority and him should have actually talked it over if the authorities though he wasn't doing the job as they wanted than not let him access into some facilities. I'm also guessing that places such as the New York Transit system is normally crowded. If thats the case, then how will the system be improved if the cameras can't reach the right angles to catch someone in the act? I dont know about you but I still believe hireing more workers to look out for suspicous people or packages seems like a better alternative. First of all, they can blend with the crowd and have badges just in case to show their authority. Second, it will cover all the blind spots of the cameras. Third, it will allow for those people who just got recently laid off to find at least a part time job. (I don't recommend hiring a person to work for twelve hours just because it won't complicate things with too many people) What do you guys think of my idea? Do you believe there are some better alternatives that both saves money, doesn't go over budget and opens up more jobs?

2 comments:

Andrew said...

I'd rather have my proper security measures be delayed than forgotten but they shouldn't even be delayed. I mean the nation's security is at stake here and we're worried about delays and the money to fund these delays! People really need to develop their sense of idealism, or something close to it, because we can't afford another terrorist attack. Even if it's a failed one, it still shouldn't even take place.

Two cents.

Lily Y said...

You are right. I wish they would at least find a cheaper way if not a differnt way to enhance their security until they get the money to fund their project.