The Transportation Security Administration participated in Operation RAILSAFE at rail stations across the country May 26.
TSA conducted 20 Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) operations in support of RAILSAFE. TSA worked in coordination with AMTRAK and other mass transit rail stakeholders to provide an enhanced law enforcement presence at locations nationwide, including Union Station in Washington, D.C., Union Station in Denver, and King Street Station in Seattle.
Operation RAILSAFE is a nationwide initiative that provides enhanced visible law enforcement and security presence at train stations and trains on selected high volume travel days.
With more than 12 million commuters riding passenger trains each day nationwide, TSA helps to ensure the security for mass transit and passenger rail systems in coordination with transportation and law enforcement agencies.
During Operation RAILSAFE, Amtrak police, TSA – including TSA’s Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response teams – and local law enforcement agencies deploy counterterrorism assets including explosives detection sweeps, random bag inspections and patrols.
Participating agencies conduct a variety of activities, including: increased uniformed patrols of stations, rights-of-way, and onboard trains; explosives detection canine sweeps; random passenger bag inspections; and counter-surveillance activities. On average more than 40 states and over 200 agencies participate in RAILSAFE.
The Amtrak Police Department, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police, and the New York City Police Department created the RAILSAFE program to improve security at rail stations and terminals, along rights-of-way, and in multi-modal locations.
