FRA solicits input on trespasser data collection request

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection request (ICR) related to the gathering of law enforcement data that could be used to develop general profiles of the root causes of railroad trespassing.

The data would be used to help the FRA and other interested parties, such as Operation Lifesaver, to target audiences with appropriate education and enforcement campaigns aimed at reducing trespasser injuries and fatalities, according to the FRA proposal that was published March 15 in the Federal Register.

The FRA's deadline for comments is May 14.

Trespasser fatalities on railroad rights-of-way and other railroad property are the leading cause of death attributable to railroad operations in the United States, according to the FRA. To address the issue, the industry, governments and others need to know more about individuals who trespass.

Completion of the railroad trespasser form would be required for law enforcement grantees as a condition of the FRA's Railroad Trespassing Enforcement Grant. The grantees would complete the form for each trespasser incident in their jurisdiction, describing the trespassers' race/ethnicity, gender and age to the best of their abilities. For law enforcement agencies not receiving the grants, submitting the forms would be voluntary.