The Long Island Rail Road plans to install security cameras at the Cedarhurst LIRR stop following a number of troubling incidents at the station. Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky urged the LIRR to install cameras last month after two swastikas were found etched into panes of glass over a two-week period.

The cameras are scheduled to be installed around the station building later this year, but the LIRR has also agreed to make every effort to expedite their installation and prevent further incidents.

“I applaud the LIRR for its commitment to the people of Cedarhurst, and for its swift action to deter hate crimes,” said Assemblyman Kaminsky. “Cameras will also go a long way towards making commuters feel safe at this station.”

“The LIRR moved quickly after each of the recent incidents at Cedarhurst station to remove the offensive material, and the MTA Police Detective Division continues to investigate both incidents,” said LIRR President Patrick A. Nowakowski. “The installation of security cameras at Cedarhurst will significantly improve our investigative efforts going forward, and hopefully serve as a deterrent as well. We will continue to work with Assemblyman Kaminsky and the community to address questions and concerns as they arise.”

“I am very pleased that the LIRR will be installing security cameras to help with the pervasive hate-graffiti,” said Jeffrey Leb, managing director of government and external relations, UJA-Federation of New York. “This wouldn’t have happened without the work of Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky, who made this a priority before he was sworn into office, and he delivered results in a very expeditious fashion. The community owes him a great deal of gratitude and I thank him very much for his assistance.”

On January 4, days after the first swastika was found at the Cedarhurst station, Assemblyman Kaminsky wrote a letter calling for cameras at the stop and elsewhere in the train system: “This station, as well as others nearby, experienced these hateful displays on far too many occasions. I urge the LIRR to install cameras on the train station platforms in this and other stations that have been defaced by perpetrators of hate crimes. Such cameras would aid law-enforcement authorities in catching those who commit these terrible acts or deter such acts in the first place.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here