The NYPD’s “Ring of Steel” network of security cameras has helped cops nab about 100 criminals in the subways in the past eight months alone, reports the New York Daily News. Most of the arrests were for assault, purse-snatching and robbery. The department began developing the Ring of Steel after the 9/11 attacks, hoping it would become an important crimefighting tool, particularly against terrorism.
Since then, by adding cameras from businesses to the program, the fledgling system has been expanded greatly. The system is based at a commanded center in lower Manhattan. It was originally intended to run south from Canal St. and also cover midtown from river to river between 30th and 60th Streets. Right now, there are about 1,800 closed-circuit cameras in place, divided equally between midtown and downtown. When the system is completed, it will feature as many as 3,000 cameras.