CALIFORNIA: City of Palo Alto to Install Suicide Prevention Cameras

KTVU

In an effort to prevent suicide, the city of Palo Alto is installing security cameras at its commuter rail crossings. The cameras will appear at all four of Palo Alto’s Caltrain crossings, replacing around-the-clock security guards. According to city spokesperson Claudia Keith, this initiative will improve on the current security program, which was launched in 2009 following a series of teen suicides. The new cameras will have artificial intelligence that allows them to detect objects or humans on the tracks, even in the dark. Security guards will monitor the cameras and call for backup if they see someone in distress. “We’ve consulted with national experts on suicide prevention who have identified cameras, as well as additional signage, in restricting physical access to the rail corridor,” said Keith. The cameras are slated to be installed by this summer.

Spark Extra! Learn more about suicide prevention efforts in California.