NCJ Number
39416
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 46 Issue: 2 Dated: (FEBRUARY 1977) Pages: 16-25
Date Published
1977
Length
10 pages
Annotation
ARTICLE EXPLAINS HISTORY, PRESENT-DAY FRAMEWORK, AND PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN RAILROAD SECURITY.
Abstract
FROM 1855 WHEN ALLEN PINKERTON BECAME THE FIRST RAILROAD LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER UNTIL TODAY, CRIME HAS BEEN A MAJOR PROBLEM CONFRONTING RAILROAD COMPANIES. IN 1975 THEFT LOSSES FROM RAIL SHIPMENTS AMOUNTED TO SOME $20 MILLION. THE HIRING OF SECURITY PERSONNEL IS ONLY ONE ASPECT OF PROTECTING RAILROAD CARGO. THE USE OF ADEQUATE SECURITY SYSTEMS INVOLVING FENCING, LIGHTING, SENSORS, AND CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION IS ALSO HELPFUL. THERE ARE ABOUT 4,500 RAILROAD POLICE BUT THEY REGULARLY NEED HELP FROM PUBLIC LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. STRICTER ENFORCEMENT OF TRESPASSING LAWS AND BETTER RECORD KEEPING CAN ALSO HELP IN ALLEVIATING VANDALISM AND THEFT....BS