Security cameras planned for Helsinki metro trains
Surveillance cameras in stations shown to reduce vandalism
|
Helsinki's Public Transport Authority (HKL) plans to install recording security cameras in all of its metro train carriages. An increase in the number of security guards is also on the agenda.
There is an urgent call to add at least one more patrol squad in the daily operations.
According to the metro stations' head of security Seppo Jussila, the first security cameras will possibly be installed in metro carriages as early as next winter.
HKL's plan is to provide its entire train fleet with recording digital cameras.
Helsinki's metro stations have already been equipped with security cameras and this has apparently tempered vandalism and violent behaviour.
VR, Finland's state-owned railway company, has used recording digital cameras in their Helsinki local trains since 1998.
The cameras can be monitored by the conductor as well as the driver, and are directed primarily against vandalism and graffiti artists.
On Thursday the Helsinki District Court remanded the 36-year-old man who is suspected of having carried out Wednesday's horrific axe attack on a Helsinki metro train. He was held in custody on probable cause of attempted manslaughter.
In preliminary questioning the man has admitted that he hit another passenger repeatedly in the head with an axe. The 23-year-old victim is in hospital. On Thursday his condition was described as critical.
The attack was completely random, with no apparent motive, and it is not thought that alcohol or other intoxicants were involved. The man being held has a criminal record, but no serious history of violent behaviour. A previous conviction for a property offence indicated that the crime had been committed while he was of unsound mind.
The tragic incident on Wednesday has brought widespread calls for a reform of Finland's treatment of the mentally ill. Many patients are no longer kept in care, but are treated as out-patients.
There is an urgent call to add at least one more patrol squad in the daily operations.
According to the metro stations' head of security Seppo Jussila, the first security cameras will possibly be installed in metro carriages as early as next winter.
HKL's plan is to provide its entire train fleet with recording digital cameras.
Helsinki's metro stations have already been equipped with security cameras and this has apparently tempered vandalism and violent behaviour.
VR, Finland's state-owned railway company, has used recording digital cameras in their Helsinki local trains since 1998.
The cameras can be monitored by the conductor as well as the driver, and are directed primarily against vandalism and graffiti artists.
On Thursday the Helsinki District Court remanded the 36-year-old man who is suspected of having carried out Wednesday's horrific axe attack on a Helsinki metro train. He was held in custody on probable cause of attempted manslaughter.
In preliminary questioning the man has admitted that he hit another passenger repeatedly in the head with an axe. The 23-year-old victim is in hospital. On Thursday his condition was described as critical.
The attack was completely random, with no apparent motive, and it is not thought that alcohol or other intoxicants were involved. The man being held has a criminal record, but no serious history of violent behaviour. A previous conviction for a property offence indicated that the crime had been committed while he was of unsound mind.
The tragic incident on Wednesday has brought widespread calls for a reform of Finland's treatment of the mentally ill. Many patients are no longer kept in care, but are treated as out-patients.
Helsingin Sanomat