'Shock-and-Awe Show Of Force' By Cops Needed On BART: Advocates

BAY AREA, CA – After recent deadly knife attacks on BART trains and stations, including the stabbing that killed 18-year-old Nia Wilson last month, the president of the Bay Area Council is calling for a "mutual aid" response to boost security on the transit system.

"BART riders deserve to feel safe when they enter a station or board a train," said Jim Wunderman, CEO of the BAC, a business-sponsored, public-policy advocacy group. "A shock-and-awe show of force by law enforcement will send a direct and powerful message to commuters that we're looking out for their safety and to criminals ... to stay away from BART."

Wunderman is calling for law enforcement agencies around the Bay to convene a task force to work with BART on deploying local officers, increase patrols on trains and stations and shorten response times in
emergency situations.

BART's Board of Directors on Friday approved a $20 million plan to expand the transit agency's network of digital cameras and install emergency call boxes on station platforms.

Nia Wilson was fatally stabbed at the MacArthur BART station in Oakland July 22. Police arrested 27-year-old transient John Lee Cowell who has been charged with Wilson's murder and with attempted murder of her
sister.

PREVIOUS RELATED COVERAGE:

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• Arrested: BART Stabbing Suspect; 3 Deaths In 3 Days
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• Random Attack At Oakland BART Station: 1 Woman Dead, 1 Hurt
• Homeless Man Convicted In Rape Of BART Passenger

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