Amtrak expands security efforts with increased ROW protection

Amtrak is expanding its comprehensive rail security efforts to provide increased right-of-way protection to detect and deter terrorists seeking to derail passenger trains, testified Amtrak Chief of Police John O'Connor today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Amtrak is a member of FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces. Chief O'Connor said threats against rail transportation are very real and "the recent events after the death of bin Laden serve as a stark reminder that these threats continue to be viable." O'Connor stressed the interest of terrorists in derailing trains is of particular concern to Amtrak which "operates high-speed rail trains where catastrophic losses could occur." The security countermeasures will provide additional ROW protections for passenger trains, particularly those operating on the Amtrak-owned Northeast Corridor. They will join existing Amtrak security efforts focusing on threats related to the use of improvised explosive devices in a station or on a train, or an active shooter scenario. They are also reinforcing employee awareness programs, particularly with personnel from its engineering and mechanical departments. In addition, O'Connor noted that Amtrak is working with TSA to integrate sensor technology with cameras to monitor for intrusions along the ROW. The railroad will continue existing security strategies such as canine explosive detection teams, random passenger baggage screening and uniformed patrols at stations and on trains.