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AMTRAK LAUNCHES NEW SECURITY PROCEDURES
Random baggage screening conducted by Mobile Security Team
WASHINGTON -- Amtrak today announced the deployment of its new specialized
Amtrak Mobile Security Team to patrol stations and trains and randomly inspect passenger
baggage. The Mobile Security Team supplements ongoing patrols already in place by Amtrak to
enhance the safety and security of passenger rail
travel. The deployment of the Mobile Security Team
and the launch of random baggage inspection are
further steps in Amtrak’s ongoing efforts to strengthen
rail security as a means to minimize the risk of
terrorist threats. The Mobile Security Teams will
ultimately be deployed nationwide.
“Keeping our customers and employees safe
remains our priority,” said Alex Kummant, Amtrak
president and chief executive officer. “These new
procedures will strengthen Amtrak’s overall security,
and they are vital in our efforts to deter, detect, and prevent a terrorist incident on the rail
system,”
Random baggage inspections have been found to be an effective security tool for
deterring individuals who may pose a threat. Since predictable security can be exploited, this
random screening and patrols will be unpredictable and will appear at varied times and stations.
These new measures are not in response to any new or particular threat and are in full
coordination with the Department of Homeland Security.
The Mobile Security Team’s squads may consist of armed specialized Amtrak police,
explosives-detecting K-9 units and armed counter-terrorism special agents in tactical uniforms.
They will screen passengers, randomly inspect baggage and patrol stations. These squads also
may sweep through trains using K-9 units.
“The screening and mobile units were developed as part of Amtrak’s working hand-inhand
with domestic and international counter-terrorism agencies and experts to continually
fortify Amtrak’s safety and security practices,” said William Rooney, Amtrak vice president,
Security Strategy and Special Operations. “Random inspections and armed special agent patrols
are a prudent and necessary security enhancement and are similar to programs in New York,
Boston, Madrid and London,” Rooney stated.
Passengers will have the right to refuse inspection. However, if they do so, they will not
be permitted to board the train and will be offered a ticket refund.
The Mobile Security Team’s procedures will not affect train schedules. Random
passenger baggage inspection is a quick process and typically will take less than a minute. The
randomly-selected boarding passengers can expect the Mobile Security Team to move swiftly
and in a minimally intrusive manner to ensure passenger travel time is not affected.
The new procedures are an enhancement to strategic security measures already in place
such as:
- Uniformed police and plain clothes officers on trains and in stations
- Security cameras
- Random identification checks
- “See Something, Say Something,” passenger education program to promote involvement
and raise vigilance
- Investments in state-of-the-art security technology
- Security awareness training for the entire Amtrak workforce
- Behind-the-scenes activities that remain undisclosed
Information about the new procedures is available in selected stations, ticket counters,
and on trains.
About Amtrak
Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail services to more than 500 destinations in 46
states on a 21,000-mile route system. For schedules, fares and information, passengers may call
800-USA-RAIL or visit www.amtrak.com.
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