WASHINGTON - Although crime was high at four Prince George's County Metro stations last year, state transportation officials say the stations are not likely to receive security cameras.

According to statistics, the New Carrollton, Largo Town Center, Suitland and College Park stations experienced the highest number of violent crimes in 2008. But Jack Cahalan, a spokesman for the Maryland Department of Transportation says there are no plans to install cameras at those stations.

He says officials are working with leaders in Prince George's and Montgomery counties to determine how to improve security.
Metro recently installed 20 cameras outside a dozen rail stations in the District of Columbia and Fairfax County (web | news) . D.C. provided $200,000 for the project, while Fairfax County gave $75,000.

Veronica Andrews rides Metro almost every day, and says she doesn't feel safe at some stations. She says that's because of the crime she's heard about at stations like New Carrollton.

Metro crime statistics show that the New Carrollton station is among the stations with a high rate of crime, In fact, recent numbers show it ranked the highest in vehicle crime. But despite those statistics, the station at the end of the orange line didn't get one of the transit agency's new surveillance cameras.

A metro spokesperson says that's because Prince George's County didn't provide the funding.

"It would help keep other people safer who are riding metro," said Andrews.

In total, 20 cameras were installed at 12 stations. A Metro spokesperson says the District and Fairfax County offered up the funds needed to put the cameras in -- the transit agency itself didn't pay for the them. These new cameras are designed to help add to the security measures Metro already uses. Some riders believe the extra eye in the sky will help reduce the crime.

"I think that's appropriate; I think it's the right thing to do, other cities got it," said Creighton Butts, a tourist.

"If the cameras were around, I don't think that much crime would happen," said Maryland resident Matthew Patterson.

But Veronica Andrews says just adding a camera isn't enough.

They need to have more enforcement; they need police here everyday, like everywhere," added Andrews.

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