Two Queens lawmakers set to propose bill to mandate state security review of MTA facilities

[Q113 LTD]

 

Sen. Michael Gianaris had introduced the bill previously, but believes it’s important to act now given recent terror attacks across the globe.

 

ALBANY — In the wake of the recent terror attacks in Brussels, two Queens state lawmakers are set to propose legislation that would mandate a state security review of MTA facilities. Sen. Michael Gianaris and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic will hold a press conference Sunday to push a bill to require the director of the state Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to conduct regular reviews and analysis of security measures at MTA facilities including affiliates like the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North. The office would then have the power to mandate any security upgrades deemed necessary. Gianaris had introduced the bill previously, but believes it’s important to act now given recent terror attacks across the globe. “All we have to do is turn on the news to see how big a target transportation infrastructure is,” Gianaris said. “It would behoove us to have top experts in anti-terrorism helping make decisions on what security is provided.” Dozens of people were killed on March 22 after explosions rocked the airport and downtown metro in Brussels. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks. Gianaris said he recognizes the Metropolitan Transportation Agency has its own security personnel, but argues that “having additional experts lending their expertise to the situation can only help.” Under the bill, the homeland security director would be required to submit a confidential report containing the findings and recommendations to the governor, Senate majority leader and Assembly speaker by the end of 2017. After that, the homeland security office would conduct reviews on MTA security every couple of years. An MTA spokesman said the agency does not comment on pending legislation. Gianaris said he modeled the bill after one he got passed after the 9/11 terror attacks that requires the state homeland security office to conduct security reviews at New York’s power plants. “That has worked very well,” he said.

 

Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens-lawmakers-propose-bill-review-mta-security-article-1.2586499

[QM1to6Ave]

I guess that kind of review can't hurt. What happened to the random bag checks in the subway by TSA? Haven't seen one of those in a long time.

[N6 Limited]

The random bag check is questionable. They were stationed in major stations in Manhattan, someone could like just enter the system at some random outer borough station and take the train in to the city.

[Lance]

It's all to make it look like they're actually doing something. Nothing more, nothing less.

[bobtehpanda]

It's already been shown that security theater does nothing to actually improve safety, so why bother?

[Lance]

To say we're doing something. It's all to give the illusion of security.

[N6 Limited]

It costs millions of dollars, that could be put to better use.