A New York Times article this week highlights the issues surrounding New York City’s problems with its vast camera system. In the wake of 9/11, New York is a city that has relied on and supported its ever-expanding influx of surveillance cameras. It is difficult not to notice the cameras placed at nearly every street corner in an effort to help police gather evidence to catch criminals, and investigate crimes and possible acts of terrorism. But there is a significant problem plaguing a specific area of the system, the subway. The New York Times reported that nearly half of the subway system’s 4,313 security cameras that have been installed are not working properly.

The article specifically pointed out that the surveillance system today, “remains a patchwork of lifeless cameras, unequipped stations and problem-plagued wiring.