NCJ Number
208743
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 32 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2005 Pages: 8,10,12-14,16
Editor(s)
Ronnie Garrett
Date Published
January 2005
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article presents two programs that were developed to enhance passenger rail security and include technological innovations, threat response capability, and public awareness.
Abstract
The focus for enhancing passenger rail security is three-fold: (1) technological innovations, including biological and chemical countermeasures; (2) threat response capability, such as a mass transit K-9 program; and (3) public awareness, such as passenger educational programs. This article briefly discusses two rail security programs designed to enhance passenger rail security. The first program, run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was developed to measure the feasibility of screening people and bags for explosives. The Transit and Rail Inspection Pilot (TRIP) evaluated the use of emerging technologies to screen passengers and their carry-on items for explosives in rail and transit environments. The Amtrak and Maryland Rail Commuter (MARC) trains in the New Carrollton train station in Maryland were one of the piloted sites of the TRIP program. Amtrak also implemented requirements that passengers must present valid photo identification in order to purchase tickets at the rail station. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) hosted the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in 2004 and mounted a huge security effort for the DNC. Over a period of 6 to 8 months, the MBTA developed guidelines for a screening process designed to protect passengers and the rail system and takes advantage of TSA grants and other funding sources in order to implement security improvements to their rail system.