Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Cabdrivers favor digital cameras in their taxicabs

Survey shows support of safety measures but rejection of video cameras with sound

Cabdrivers in the Las Vegas Valley favor having digital security cameras put in their taxis by a 2-to-1 margin, according to preliminary survey results released Tuesday.

The poll of 627 Clark County cabdrivers, conducted by the Nevada Taxicab Authority's drivers safety measures committee, found 372 drivers, or 59.3 percent, support the installation of such cameras.

Opposing such a move were 171 drivers, or 27.3 percent. About 13 percent had no opinion or didn't answer.

The unaudited findings come as the authority's board prepares to consider mandating the installation of cameras in all cabs.

"The survey is just one more component (to consider). The board has a very difficult decision to make," authority administrator Yvette Moore said. "It'll be important to the board that the cabdrivers feel like this."

The committee, which consists of authority officials, drivers union members and owners, last month distributed surveys to about 4,800 drivers.

The findings were no surprise to drivers union officials, who support the installation of cameras in taxis.

"We want whatever is best for the drivers. The drivers are the ones that are out there. They're at the mercy of the passengers they're transporting," said Ruth Jones, vice president of the Industrial Technical Professional Employees Union.

While supporting the concept of digital still cameras, drivers did not support using video cameras that also record sound.

That idea was opposed by 277 drivers, or 44.2 percent. Supporting that idea were 251 drivers, or 40 percent.

Moore said digital cameras that do not record sound and snap an image every few seconds may be more palatable from a privacy standpoint than cameras that record all actions and sound.

Drivers also rejected the idea of using bullet-resistant shields to protect driver areas. That idea was opposed by 380 drivers, or 60.6 percent of those surveyed.

Drivers also resisted the concept of installing safes in cabs. Opposed were 299 drivers, or 48.2 percent.

However, most drivers supported additional training on how to prevent crime. That was favored by 302 drivers, or 48.2 percent.

Some cab companies are taking a wait-and-see approach on whether to support camera installation, the cost of which would be borne by the businesses.

At Yellow Checker Star Transportation, the valley's largest cab company, Operations Director Bill Shranko said the company has yet to receive and digest the poll findings and complete its own review of the issue.

The proposal, which will be considered by the board on Feb. 24, would require recording to automatically begin when a door opens or a meter is activated. Images could be downloaded onto laptop computers and would be viewed only as needed.

Authority officials say cameras could act as a deterrent to crime, an investigative tool for police and have a proven track record elsewhere.

But they acknowledge that passengers and drivers alike may feel uncomfortable being recorded, and that the cameras offer no physical protection for drivers.