During the 10th anniversary period of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Amtrak is enhancing security measures by conducting more passenger and baggage screenings, increasing the use of K-9 explosive detection teams, and expanding police patrols at stations, on trains, along the tracks and other key rail infrastructure.
The Amtrak Police Department is performing these security activities in the Northeast Corridor and across the country in coordination with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies as well as with the several host railroads on whose tracks many Amtrak trains operate.
“Amtrak is committed to identifying the most likely security threats and we are focusing our efforts on defeating or deterring the most dangerous and likely threats,” said Amtrak Vice President and Chief of Police John O’Connor.
Ten years after the devastating attacks on 9/11, the Amtrak Police Department (APD) has transitioned from a traditional police department aimed at preventing and responding to crimes, to a police and security agency geared toward anticipating security threats in the short and long term, and staying a step ahead of them. This focus on security allows Amtrak to better protect its passengers, employees and railroad equipment, infrastructure and other facilities.
Amtrak will continue to monitor the latest technologies and look for ways to improve its security efforts. Amtrak is currently working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to test, integrate and implement intrusion detection technologies to more effectively protect the right of way. Other technologies being developed by Amtrak will improve upon existing security strategy and operations, enhance interagency information sharing and local agency response to Amtrak incidents.
Over the last decade, Amtrak has implemented a number of security programs and initiatives to improve passenger rail safety and security. Efforts include the use of specially trained explosive detection and vapor wake K-9 teams, passenger and baggage screenings, and the development of strong partnerships with local, state, federal and international agencies – including active participation in FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces – to share intelligence and conduct joint security exercises.
Beyond APD law enforcement personnel, Amtrak security is aided by an additional line of defense—the frontline employees who work at stations, on trains, and maintain the tracks and other infrastructure. Thousands of Amtrak employees have received security training to serve as extra eyes and ears of the railroad.
In addition, Amtrak is engaging passengers and the public to be on alert and report safety or security issues as part of a neighborhood watch style program called Partners for Amtrak Safety and Security (PASS). Individuals are encouraged to report behaviors or activities that are unusual or out of the ordinary such as trespassers and suspicious packages by calling Amtrak Police at 1- 800- 331-0008.
This past spring, Amtrak conducted focus groups with its passengers in several cities and learned that many riders felt secure on the trains, therefore were less likely to report something suspicious to police or train personnel.
“What we heard was alarming, yet not surprising,” said Chief O’Connor. “Many passengers said ten years after 9/11 they were experiencing security fatigue, and were complacent about security messages. Others admitted that they were embarrassed or too afraid to report something to police in case they were wrong about what they saw. We think our new campaign addresses both of these issues in a way that not only reassures our riders, but empowers them to come forward so police can determine what is a potential threat or not.”
The new slogan, “If you See Something, Say Something…Hopefully, its Nothing,” will be displayed today on posters at Amtrak train stations in 11 cities to include New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Baltimore. The new messaging campaign will launch nationally this fall.