Amtrak Police

This article is written like a personal reflection or essay rather than an encyclopedic description of the subject. Please help improve it by rewriting it in an encyclopedic style. (March 2012)

Amtrak Police Department
Patch of the Amtrak Police Department.
Agency overview
Legal personality	Governmental: Government agency
Jurisdictional structure
Federal agency (Operations jurisdiction)	United States
Legal jurisdiction	Amtrak Rail System
General nature	Federal law enforcement Civilian police
Specialist jurisdiction	Railways, tramways, and-or rail transit systems.
Operational structure
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Police Officers	450
Agency executive	John J. O'Connor, Chief
Website
https://police.amtrak.com

The Amtrak Police is a railroad police agency that acts as the law enforcement and security agency of Amtrak, the government owned passenger train system in the United States. The Amtrak Police has 450 sworn police officers, most of whom are stationed within the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak's busiest route.

This agency is the primary jurisdictional agency involving Amtrak stations, trains, right-of-way, maintenance facilities and crimes committed within or against Amtrak, its passengers and other railroads operating upon Amtrak owned right-of-way.

Amtrak Police officers are trained at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.^[1]

Authority

Created by Congress, Amtrak’s enabling legislation under the Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970, now codified starting at 49 U.S.C. 24101, established the authority for Amtrak to have railroad police. The statutory authority was unique at the time and included interstate police powers. The Amtrak rail police law, now found at 49 U.S.C. 24305 (e), states as follows:

(e) Rail Police. —Amtrak may employ rail police to provide security for rail passengers and property of Amtrak. Rail police employed by Amtrak who have complied with a State law establishing requirements applicable to rail police or individuals employed in a similar position may be employed without regard to the law of another State containing those requirements.

Policies

Amtrak Corporate Guidelines on Photography and Video Recording

Section I. Policy The taking of photographs and/or videos is permitted within public access areas on Amtrak property and as otherwise stated in Section III.

In emergency and/or special circumstances (for example, declared elevation of Homeland Security Advisory System to High or Severe - orange and red) and where actions are deemed suspicious or inconsistent with this policy by observing/reporting persons, photographers and videographers may be approached and questioned to determine if further investigation or action is necessary.

Photography and video recording within restricted areas are prohibited. Individuals found in a restricted area will be subject to investigation and possible arrest and seizure of photography and/or video recording equipment may occur pursuant to the arrest. This policy applies in all circumstances, including where Amtrak may be promoting a photography contest or event.

Section II. Definitions Commercial and Special Photography. Photography that requires explicit authorization from Amtrak and includes engagements for commercial gain or profit such as, movie films, commercial television productions, and photography for commercial advertisements.

Photography. Photography shall mean the taking of moving and/or still images.

Public Area. An area open to general public access and occupancy (station areas and platforms for ticketed passengers only) that is not otherwise posted or restricted by posted signs or locking devices. Signage, building design and physical barriers, i.e. fencing, bollards, etc., may also distinguish a public area from a restricted area.

Restricted Area. A restricted area is any area not open to or occupied by the public, or is open to or occupied by the public on a limited basis. Signage, building design and physical barriers, i.e. fencing, bollards, etc., may also distinguish a restricted area from a public area.

Restricted areas include but are not limited to the following:

• Platforms (ticketed passengers are exempt)

• Crew and Employee Work Areas

• Maintenance Facilities

• Unoccupied Trains and Engines

• Office Areas

• Employee Elevators

• Baggage/Delivery Areas

• Commissaries

• Right of Way and Track Areas

• In service train cars

Section III. Exceptions Commercial and Special Photography. Prior arrangements must be made with Amtrak's Real Estate Department at (215) 349-1238 for approval.

News Photography. Members of the news media are entitled to the same access for photography purposes as the general public. News media may request additional access by contacting the Amtrak Media Relations Office, 202-906-3860. Amtrak recommends that members of the news media present valid press credentials when they film (print and video photography) in the public areas at Amtrak's stations and strongly encourages the news media to contact Amtrak's Media Relations Office in advance to facilitate and ensure appropriate access, particularly at major Amtrak stations. As a courtesy, Media Relations Representatives will frequently issue a letter or accompany news media in the Northeast, Chicago and California regions. It is understood that during breaking news events advance contact with Amtrak's Media Relations Office may not be possible. Ticketed Passengers on platforms may photograph or video record during the time they are preparing to board or immediately after alighting from a train. Equipment is limited to hand-held devices. Such photography, including equipment set-up will be done in a reasonable, safe and timely manner. Ticketed passengers on board trains may take photos or video record on a train when it does not interfere with passengers or crew and in accordance with any directions given by Amtrak onboard train personnel. Other photography or video recording not covered by this policy requires advance approval from the area Amtrak Station Manager.

Section IV. Law Enforcement Amtrak Police and Security personnel may approach photographers and videographers upon a complaint from a member of the public or Amtrak personnel that the activity is suspicious in nature, or based upon their own observation that the activity is suspicious in nature or inconsistent with this policy.

Amtrak Police and Security Personnel will advise the individual that an inquiry is being conducted for security purposes. Amtrak Police and Security personnel will follow established departmental regulations in this area. Nothing in this policy limits or expands the authority of Amtrak police officers to initiate and pursue investigations, perform a pat down or frisk based upon reasonable suspicion, and/or conduct searches based upon probable cause or any recognized exception to the probable cause requirement in accordance with all legal authority. But the taking of photographs and/or video may not, in and of itself, rise to the level of reasonable suspicion or probable cause.

An Amtrak Police SUV

Rank structure and insignia

Title	Insignia
Chief of Police
Assistant Chief
Deputy Chief
Inspector
Captain
Lieutenant
Sergeant/Detective
Criminal Investigator/Special Agent
Police Officer

See also

	United States portal
	Law enforcement/Law enforcement topics portal

• NRPC OIG
• List of United States federal law enforcement agencies
• New Jersey Transit Police Department

References

External links

• Amtrak Police Department Website
• Amtrak
• Testimony of Amtrak Police Chief Ernest R. Frazier before the House Transportation Committee Subcommittee on Railroads

This United States law enforcement agency article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e

This United States rail-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e