Union Pacific, Texas Operation Lifesaver train police officers in rail safety

Union Pacific Railroad and Texas Operation Lifesaver last week trained 100 police officers with the Houston Independent School District (HISD) in rail safety.

The rail investigation safety course is designed to prepare law enforcement for scenarios they may encounter when responding to railroad incidents, UP officials said in a press release. The HISD officers learned how to assess railroad environments, interpret rail signage and signals and navigate emergency response protocols. The course also included information on investigation procedures and legal considerations for railroad incidents.

"Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and we're committed to working with local agencies to keep the entire Houston community safe around railroad tracks," said Clint Schelbitzki, assistant vice president for public affairs at UP.