Fighting crime with Mozart | Mirror editorial

Will Mozart become Federal Way’s newest crime-fighting force?

Classical music now plays over a speaker system at the Federal Way Transit Center. The idea is part of an overall plan between Sound Transit, King County Metro and Federal Way police to reduce violent crime at the transportation hub.

The concept has proven successful in other cities. In July, the Seattle Times reported that a grocery store with classical music blaring in its parking lot has experienced less loitering and vandalism. The report points to a similar success story at the Tacoma Mall transit station, which started piping in country and classical music in 2007. Multiple newspapers in Britain cite a significant reduction in crime at London subway stations due to the presence of classical music.

Music has a powerful effect on our moods, both positive and negative. At the Federal Way Transit Center, the classical music will either relax potential perpetrators before they act out — or drive them away out of sheer annoyance. For the rest of us, the music is a peaceful treat.

On that note, The Mirror commends Sound Transit, King County Metro and the Federal Way police for actively pursuing ways to make the transit center safe. Aside from classical music and increased police presence, their plan includes the installation of high-resolution cameras; signs and stickers indicating the presence of police and video surveillance; a portable radio for Sound Transit police to directly contact Federal Way police; and access by Federal Way police to the substation on the transportation platform, where patrons wait for buses.

When it comes to policing the transit center and preventing violence, consistency is key — along with a little Beethoven and Mozart.

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