Amtrak supplements security measures

Next time you take a trip on Amtrak, don’t be surprised if you’re stopped for a security check. Last month, the national intercity passenger railroad announced it will deploy specialized Amtrak Mobile Security Teams to patrol stations and trains, and randomly inspect passengers’ bags.

To be deployed nationwide, the teams will supplement Amtrak patrols already in place. Squads may include armed, specialized Amtrak police officers, explosive-detecting K-9 units and armed counter-terrorism special agents. The random bag inspections are expected to take less than one minute.

Amtrak developed the new measures with domestic and international counter-terrorism agencies and experts. The security improvements are similar to programs in place in New York, Boston, London and Madrid, and are not being launched in response to any particular new threats, Amtrak said.

Amtrak’s current security program includes uniformed police and plain clothes officers on trains and in stations, security cameras, random identification checks, a “See Something, Say Something” passenger education program and workforce training.