Is it too early to ask why the T has so many security cameras?

Wow, then apparently I found the one Green Line car with the cameras. I should play the lottery.

Suffice it to say that I have more experience with security/surveillance cameras and DHS than most. While I hate the idea that this is where our society has come to, I generally do not object to them in public places where there is bona fide evidence that they may deter unlawful behavior, so long as adequate notice is provided (note: the notice on the Green Line train was wholly inadequate, as it was well below standing eye-level, and behind people sitting in the seat adjacent to it. I did not even notice it until the gentleman sitting there got up.).

Contrary to the assertion, my "beef" *was* with the way the T is spending our tax dollars (whether they come from the state sales tax or our federal income taxes, etc. through DHS). As one of the other commenters pointed out, while no longer uncommon, there are still lots of Oranage Line trains, for example, that do not have cameras. I do not mean to knock the Oranage Line or its riders, but as I said, I think the statistical evidence would show that the rate of crime on the Orange Line is substantially higher than that on the Green Line. I simply want the resources put where they will do the most good, i.e., help solve, and thereby deter, the most crimes.

With respect to the point about no one is watching - the cameras record only, try this on: The recordings are subject to the public records law. The T could conceivably refuse to produce the recordings based on either the "unwarranted invasion of personal privacy" exemption or the "likely to jeopardize public safety" exemption. I have little confidence that they would do either, considering they have already released several videos, and in any event, the withholding of information even under an applicable exemption is at the agency's discretion (but the law favors disclosure). The point is, this video may be available to a much wider range of people than just the T Police or other authorities (some of you, particularly any of you who have had a stalker, might see why this might be undesirable.). The legislature should pass a statute that specifically limits the use of the footage to law enforcement, as they have limited the use of FastLane video to toll enforcement.

I think people often do not complain about cameras in the lobbies of private buildings because most people understand that having their image recorded is part of the deal when going into that private facility. As to the red light controversy, well, I think people do not realize how often their car's image is recorded (e.g., if you drive on a limited access highway around Boston, it is recorded a lot).