|
Straight
Track #136
| Terrorism
Indicators for Railroaders Gary
Babiarz, Chief Investigator
Hoey, Farina & Downes
babiarz@felahfd.com
As you may know, last week government
officials issued a warning, based on information obtained from al-Qaida
prisoners, which said terrorists may try to destroy bridges or key
sections of railroad infrastructure and tracks.
|
|
|
In its warning, the FBI
said, “The group has considered directly targeting U.S. passenger
trains, possibly using operatives who have a Western appearance.”
The FBI also said that captured al-Qaida photographs of U.S. railroad
engines, cars and crossings increased the agency’s concern about the
threat. Intelligence officials continue to believe that al-Qaida plans to
attack targets that would be readily recognized as representing U.S.
economic interests, the FBI said. The FBI said Amtrak has increased
patrols, and freight railroads have tightened security. (Read
the FBI’s Oct. 24, 2002 statement)
Because of last week’s warning, I
contacted my railroad on behalf of my local to get more information on
what exactly my men could and should be doing in regard to terrorism
threat to railroads. The railroad sent over a checklist of “Indicators
of Terrorism” from the Assoc. of American Railroads specifically drawn
up for railroaders working a job.
|
AAR Drafts
List of “Indicators of Terrorism” |
|
The Association
of American Railroads (AAR) has put together a list of
“Indicators of Terrorism” to help railroad employees increase
awareness of suspicious activities on railroad properties.
Employees are encouraged to look for:
-
25-35 year old males
extremely interested in specific railroads and resources.
-
People soliciting detailed
railroad information in casual situations.
-
People showing up immediately
prior to a train’s arriving and departing immediately after
it leaves.
-
People who are in the wrong
place or dressed inappropriately along the rail line.
-
Suspicious vehicles,
motorcycles or mopeds at crossings and along right-of-way.
-
Automobiles that move with
you along your route.
-
Unusual occurrences like
disconnected brake hoses and abnormal signals.
|
Please pass along the AAR’s list of
“Indicators of Terrorism” at your local, lodge or divisional meeting,
and as always, please remember to be careful out there – especially
during these times when railroading is more dangerous than ever.
[top]
|
