Railway police are responsible for maintaining security on trains and associated locations. They have the same authority as government police officers and work to ensure public safety. Railway policing has a long history and requires the same training as other peace officers. They deal with issues such as trespassing, traffic control, and vandalism, and can also travel with the train to ensure passenger safety.
Railway police are law enforcement officers responsible for maintaining the security of yards, trains and associated locations. These law enforcement professionals are usually employed by the railroad, but have the same authority as police officers working for the government and generally cooperate with government agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes. Like other members of the police community, the railway police are primarily concerned with public safety.
The history of railroad policing is almost as long as the history of railroads. From the early days of the railroad, railway companies realized that they needed security forces to deal with issues such as theft, trespassing and vandalism. Rail policing is much the same today, with some changes to address issues such as terrorism and sabotage.
To work for the railway police, one must complete the same training offered to other peace officers, which includes attending a law enforcement academy, and must pass physical tests, background checks and exams designed to confirm knowledge and competence. Although railway police usually work for a railway, they can also work for public transport agencies and the government, depending on how policing is organized in the country or region in which they work.
The railway police are concerned about violations of the law that occur on trains and in train yards and stations. A major concern is trespassing, because trespassing threatens the security of the railroad and can be very dangerous for trespassers. Railway police also deal with issues such as traffic control around railway property, train hoppers trying to catch a ride on the train, citing people for failing to stop at train crossings when instructed to do so, and arresting vandals who damage property belonging to the railroad. They can also arrest criminals for whom warrants have been issued and cooperate with police investigations.
Some railway police officers travel with the train and are part of the crew, which guarantees comfort and safety to passengers. Railway police may also be stationed at train stations and train yards, providing assistance to the public, addressing criminal activity and creating a visible security force. While many railway police are interested in trains and the history of trains, by no means does it take a love of trains to become a railway police officer, and in fact some don’t even ride trains at all.
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