SIA Delivers Recommendations for Audio Video Recording Onboard Trains to Federal Railroad Administration

FRA to issue requirement for cameras on trains by April 1, 2015

Silver Spring, Md. — The Security Industry Association (SIA) recently presented recommendations for the adoption of image and audio recording technologies to strengthen investigations and accident prevention efforts onboard U.S. passenger and freight trains before an advisory committee of the Federal Railroad Administration.

The newly formed SIA Transportation Policy Working Group made its recommendations by invitation on Oct. 29 to the FRA Rail Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC), which is formulating a federal requirement for equipping lead train cabs with cameras and recording devices. RSAC was formed in 1996 to develop regulatory proposals to address safety issues, comprised of both public and private stakeholders within the rail community.

The SIA presentation provided an overview of available technology provided by the security industry for rail and mass transit applications and addressed long-term technology considerations RSAC may wish to consider. It focused on the importance of maintaining interoperable interfaces and capability to integrate with other train systems as well as detailed technology building blocks, such as high-quality images and secure data storage, which are necessary to accomplish the goals outlined by the FRA.

These goals include improving accident/incident investigation, evaluation of employee fatigue, distraction, and interaction, and providing assistance for employee training and testing.

“A carefully considered requirement for camera technology onboard passenger and freight trains would go a long way to ensuring the safety and security of people and material traveling U.S. railways,” said SIA Director of Government Relations Jake Parker. “The security industry is ready to assist our nation’s railroads in preventing and mitigating any accidents, crimes or disasters along our railways.”

Parker is available to discuss the importance of audio and video technologies to railroad safety and security in response to media requests. The SIA presentation to RSAC is available online.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended using an image and audio recording technologies to strengthen investigations and accident prevention efforts in response to an alarming number of recent fatal rail incidents throughout the country—in Chatsworth, Calif.; Red Oak, Iowa; the Bronx in New York City, and other locations.

In March 2014, the FRA tasked RSAC with developing a federal requirement for the adoption of recording technologies by trains, to be reported by April 1, 2015. The next meetings to address this issue are scheduled for Dec. 9 and 10 at the National Housing Center, 1201 15th St., NW, Washington D.C. The meetings are open to the public.

About the Security Industry Association (SIA)

The Security Industry Association (SIA) (https://www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for electronic and physical security solution providers, with more than 500 innovative member companies representing more than 300,000 security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities, and collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, and owner of the Securing New Ground® conference, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities.