MARC adding security checkpoints
MTA email
Police Security Checkpoints at MARC Stations
Random Security Checks Planned for MARC Stations:
Customers Urged To Allow For Extra TimeBALTIMORE, MD (October 26, 2009) – Focused on enhancing security at MARC commuter rail stations along the Penn, Camden and Brunswick Lines, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) police in partnership with security and canine teams from the Maryland Transportation Authority and the Transit Security Administration will begin random security screenings at stations beginning October 30, 2009. Screenings can potentially involve the check of luggage, packages, or other carry-on items customers may have in their possession. While every effort will be made to conduct the security checks in a timely fashion, customers should be prepared that extra time may be required to board their train.
“The MTA continually engages in methods of ensuring customer safety and system preservation,” said Lt. Colonel John E. Gavrilis, Acting Chief of Police. “These exercises underscore our commitment to the safety and security of our customers and systems. If you hear, see or smell something suspicious, call 1-800-492-TIPS (8477). ”
The MTA police thank customers for their patience and cooperation as the agency works to enhance security throughout the MARC system.
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1
I thought this had already been the policy (or at least a possibility) for sometime now?
I am curious to see how well this goes (yeah right) at a station and/or time when people are swarming to get on a train. Most MARC stations are not configured for restricting passenger access in a way that would help screening.
Comment by Bill — October 26, 2009 @ 3:29 pm
2
Thinking it will only be feasible at places like Union Station or Penn Station and/or places that are a terminus of a line.
Comment by Jeff Quinton — October 26, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
3
@Jeff: If that’s the case, why even bother doing the searches? Somebody could juts get on at Halethorpe, or Point Of Rocks, or wherever. This is going to end up being mostly security theater and a big PITA for regular commuters.
Comment by Bill — October 26, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
4
Have you been around Union Station or Penn Station when they do the random security beef-up things and have a bunch of TSA agents around?
DC Metro also said they were going to start doing random bag screenings around Jan of 09 and have you actually talked to anyone that has encountered it?
It just seems like PR and security theater to me too.
Comment by Jeff Quinton — October 26, 2009 @ 4:37 pm
5
I have never seen random search on the MARC at any station. The most I ever seen is a cop sometimes w/dog go through the train (nobody was searched).
It’s just the aggressive driving campaigns – all talk, no actual action.
Comment by Bill — October 26, 2009 @ 10:04 pm
6
I was referring to heightened security at the Amtrak stations – not searches or checkpoints.
They could use police at West Baltimore with all of the times trains have been stopped or delayed due to a perp running from the police and getting on the train.
Comment by Jeff Quinton — October 26, 2009 @ 10:08 pm