Passenger Trains > Amtrak PD Chief talks to Congress

Amtrak's chief of police, John O'Connor recently spoke to Congress about security threats to the country's national railroad and its partners. This was part of the same discussion in which CSX VP Elliott participated.

Chief O'Connor sees three major risks. One is an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated in a station. Two is an IED detonated on a train. Three is "an active shooter", presumably in a station or on a train, it's not specific.

Most of the testimony focuses on items 1 and 2, and discusses the joint efforts with anti-terrorism agencies. It's a well written and thorough document, with much discussion of the need to balance safety with ease of crowd flow. There's no discussion or mention of Amtrak's rules on open carry weapons rules in states where that's permitted.

The April 21 testimony, summary, and a number of posters are on the news site:

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241267278292

Now that we have Amtrak MofW workers chasing railfans w/camera off SEPTA platforms, I feel so much safer now.

SEPTA MofW workers have ZERO authority. I would tell them to go FXXX themselves!

This is really gettin' stupid!

ProAmtrak Wrote:
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> This is really gettin' stupid!


I couldn't agree more!!!

RFandPFan Wrote:
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> ProAmtrak Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > This is really gettin' stupid!
>
>
> I couldn't agree more!!!

The testimony is quite interesting to read. They're doing a lot with canine and IED protection work.

From this the PD Chief is not expecting someone to blow up tracks or bridges out in wide open country.

That would be the easy way.

mundo Wrote:
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> From this the PD Chief is not expecting someone to
> blow up tracks or bridges out in wide open
> country.
>
> That would be the easy way.


I think its pretty obvious that he doesn't have the assets to protect tracks in wide open country. Seems to me he is trying to protect what he can. Looks like he's being realistic as to his capabilities with a relatively small police force.

RFandPFan Wrote:
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> mundo Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > From this the PD Chief is not expecting someone
> to
> > blow up tracks or bridges out in wide open
> > country.
> >
> > That would be the easy way.
>
>
> I think its pretty obvious that he doesn't have
> the assets to protect tracks in wide open country.
> Seems to me he is trying to protect what he can.
> Looks like he's being realistic as to his
> capabilities with a relatively small police force.


Understandable, but paranoid is also part of the equation!

He probably wants a raise

BrooklynHauler Wrote:
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> He probably wants a raise


He probably wants to get the job, first. I believe the chief is an "interim" leader.

FWIW, the guy has excellent credentials. Worked his way up from beat cop, with experience on the LIRR, and engagement with Homeland Security over the years

RFandPFan Wrote:
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> ProAmtrak Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > This is really gettin' stupid!
>
>
> I couldn't agree more!!!


what, exactly, is stupid?

66

I'm referring to the SEPTA MOW employees comment. What has that got to do with the Amtrak PD Chief?

goneon66 Wrote:
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> RFandPFan Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > ProAmtrak Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > This is really gettin' stupid!
> >
> >
> > I couldn't agree more!!!
>
>
> what, exactly, is stupid?
>
> 66


Let's see, harassin' innocent railfans for one thing, and then targetin' us because of this fear of terroist strikes? It's been gettin' outta hand since 9/11 and I for one am tired of this!