Amtrak Security Beefed Up for 9/11 Anniversary

The nation's passenger railroad, Amtrak, recently announced it has increased security nationwide for the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Amtrak said the Amtrak Police Department has increased screenings of passengers and baggage. It also has increased the use of K-9 explosives detection teams and has expanded patrols at stations, on trains, and along tracks and key rail infrastructure.

This has been done in coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and with host railroads on whose tracks Amtrak trains operate. "Amtrak is committed to identifying the most likely security threats and we are focusing our efforts on defeating or deterring the most dangerous and likely threats," said Amtrak Vice President and Chief of Police John O'Connor.

Amtrak also said thousands of its employees have received security training, and it asking passengers and the public to be on alert and report safety or security issues as part of a neighborhood watch-style program named Partners for Amtrak Safety and Security (PASS). Unusual behaviors or activities, trespassers, and suspicious packages can be reported by calling Amtrak Police at 800-331-0008.

The company said it conducted focus groups with its passengers in several cities earlier this year and found many riders felt secure on the trains. As a result, they were less likely to report something suspicious to police or train personnel. "What we heard was alarming, yet not surprising," said O'Connor. "Many passengers said ten years after 9/11, they were experiencing security fatigue and were complacent about security messages. Others admitted that they were embarrassed or too afraid to report something to police in case they were wrong about what they saw. We think our new campaign addresses both of these issues in a way that not only reassures our riders, but empowers them to come forward so police can determine what is a potential threat or not."
 
The campaign's slogan, "If you See Something, Say Something.... Hopefully, it's Nothing," is displayed on posters at Amtrak train stations in 11 cities, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Baltimore. The new messaging campaign will launch nationally later this year.

Featured

  • Achieving Clear Communications

    Achieving Clear Communications

    Technology within the security industry has adapted to numerous changes through the years, from the early days of analog devices to today’s IP-based solutions, networked cameras, and access control solutions, in addition to analytics, cloud-based products, virtual security guards, and more. Read Now

  • Taking Flight

    Taking Flight

    Airport security is a complex system that incorporates multiple technologies to ensure the safety and security of travelers, employees and the facility itself. Sound-based technologies are integral pieces of this system, providing means of communication, notification and monitoring. Read Now

  • Live From ISC West 2023 Preview

    Live From ISC West 2023 Preview

    ISC West 2023 is right around the corner! This year’s trade show is scheduled from March 28–31 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Campus Security & Life Safety and Security Today staff will be on hand to provide live updates about the security industry’s latest innovations, trends, and products. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • A Break from Routine

    A Break from Routine

    It was three years ago right about now that COVID was bringing the world to its knees. In mid-March of 2020, the president put travel restrictions on all flights in and out of Europe, the NBA suspended its season, and Tom Hanks announced that he’d tested positive for the disease—all in the same night. It was officially a national emergency two days later. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • XS4 Original+

    XS4 Original+

    The SALTO XS4 Original+ design is based on the same proven housing and mechanical mechanisms of the XS4 Original. The XS4 Original+, however, is embedded with SALTO’s BLUEnet real-time functionality and SVN-Flex capability that enables SALTO stand-alone smart XS4 Original+ locks to update user credentials directly at the door. Compatible with the array of SALTO platform solutions including SALTO Space data-on-card, SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access solution, and SALTO’s JustIn Mobile technology for digital keys. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE and NFC technology functionality. 3

  • Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo is the affordable, easy-to-install home security system designed for anyone who wants an added layer of peace of mind and protection. It has several products, ranging from the fan-favorite Doorbell Camera + Chime, to the more comprehensive Front Door Security Kit with Professional Monitoring. Regardless of the level of desired security, Kangaroo’s designed to move with consumers - wherever that next chapter may be. Motion sensors, keypads and additional features can be part of the package to any Kangaroo system in place, anytime. Additionally, Kangaroo offers scalable protection plans with a variety of benefits ranging from 24/7 professional monitoring to expanded cloud storage, coverage for damage and theft. 3

  • Dinkle DKU Barrier Terminal Blocks

    Dinkle DKU Barrier Terminal Blocks

    New DKU screw type terminal blocks use a spring-guided system where the screws are integrated and captive within the terminal enclosure. These screws can be backed out so that ring- or U-shaped cable lugs can be inserted, without the possibility of losing the screw. 3