REQUEST TO CONTACT AND DEBRIEF WDC METRO AUTHORITIES (U)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90-01070R000100070004-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 14, 2005
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: April 13, 1983
• Content Type: MF

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1W _V__U IN FA
13 April 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
REFERENCE:
Chief, Operations upport Branch
Request to Contact and Debrief WDC
Metro Authorities (UJ)
ffraining Memo dtd 25 Feb 83; same subj (U)
1. In response to your request, 25X1
of Operations Support Branch met with Angus McLean, ie ,
Transit Police, on 11 April 1983. Information pertinent to the
issues raised in reference was developed. Also, Chief McLean
invited CIA representatives to attend a "hands-on" familiarila=:ion
to be held in May 1983. (C)
2. Regarding the hidden cameras and microphones mentioned in
reference, such devices do not exist. All cameras are visible.
There are no microphones. There is an extensive system of video
television cameras which cover the loading platform and ticket
machine areas. Only a few of these are capable of remote pan and
zoom. The cameras'are monitored from each kiosk by the booth
attendant, not by security personnel. Obviously, they are not
often watched during busy times but are monitored more closer at
night. They do not quite have the capability to read print ov
objects such as books inside the metro cars but can identify
individuals quite well. (U)
3. In the future, there will be low light remote zoom
and pan cameras covering 1VMATA parking areas. (U)
4. It should be noted that these cameras are intended ti
inhibit employee theft, other theft and violent crime and to
monitor pedestrian traffic in and out of the stations. Cameras
WARNING NOTICE
Intelligence Sources
Or Methods Involved
CONFIDENTIAL
25X1
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CONFT - At
at WAIATA headquarters at 600 5th Street, N.W., are more flexible.
They monitor hallways and parking areas as well as the rooms in
which fare receipts are counted. The headquarters cameras are
monitored both from a central security office and, for the moneTT
rooms, from separate monitors near each room. (U)
5. Communication by radio in subway tunnels is almost
impossible without special low frequency sets supported by a
system of wires, repeaters and antennae. WNATA has such a syst-3m
and has very few "dead spots." WMATA will make their equipment
available to the FBI or other legal authority in the event it i
needed for such things as a surveillance within the system. Thy
transmissions are open and clear text, however, and are regularl
listened to by the news media. (U)
6. Also, there are "Blue Light" phone booths every 800 feat
throughout the system. Each phone booth has a regular push button
telephone. If the "star" button on the phone is pushed, instant
contact is achieved with the security communications center. Tie
center has the capability of direct,instant patching to FBI,
Secret Service and all local police jurisdictions. Also located
at each Blue Light is a red mushroom button. When pushed, this
button deenergizes the track on that side of the tunnel. Normally,
the track-carries 700 volts, enough to literally vaporize a.
person. (U)
7. The high voltage and the narrow tunnels make it impractical 25X1
if not impossible, for pedestrians to use any but the customary
public areas.
8. There are about 90 uniformed officers patrolling the
approximately 100 miles of subway. The one officer per mile radio
will probably be maintained as the system expands. Plainclothes
officers have been very successful in thwarting both employee
theft and other crimes. There are officers in plainclothes in 25X1
various areas throughout,the system on an almost daily basis. "U)
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11. For your information, other systems, such as that in
Atlanta, do employ 24-hour police monitoring of TV cameras. The
WMATA subway system is somewhat unique in that it is built with
security in mind. The straight tunnels, lack of commercial
enterprises and restrooms, open mezzanines, etc., were built as
crime deterrents. This also serves to eliminate nooks and crannies
where sneaky things can be accomplished. However, it is almost
impossible to detect something like a brush pass in a crowded
subway. The crowds work both ways, though, and may make it
difficult or impossible to get in position. (U)
13. Chief McLean invited two or three CIA representatives
to attend the next running of a familiarization exercise being
conducted on 13-14 or 14-15 May 1983. It is being run specifically
for an FBI Hostage Rescue Team training exercise but we would 1,e
welcome. It is a two-day affair but Chief McLean thought the
first day only would be of interest. The second day will be
"cops & robbers." If ould like to attend, OSB
will arrange it. Chief McLean will pr our identities and
affiliation if need be. Please advise
soonest on if you would like to go. Your attendance is
encouraged as re is no substitute for actually observing th~/se
systems at work. It would also afford you entree, if you want it,
for possible future training in the subway environment. (C)
CONI-I T1AL
25X1
25X1
25X1
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SUBJECT: Request to Contact and Debrief WDC Metro Authorities
Distribution:
Orin - Adse
- Police Liaison
- Subject file
1 - C/OSB chrono
1 - OSB Chrono
OS/PSI/SSD/OSB
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