Random baggage searches coming to Maryland commuter trains

[Dave Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Ethan Ackerman <eackerma () u washington edu>
> Date: October 29, 2009 11:08:46 AM EDT
> To: dave () farber net
> Cc: Bob Drzyzgula <bob () drzyzgula org>
> Subject: Re: [IP] Random baggage searches coming to Maryland  
> commuter trains
> Reply-To: eackerma () u washington edu

> Greetings Dave,
> The nearby Washington DC Metro train system initiated a similar random
> bag search program in October 2008. Some interesting conclusions can
> be drawn from that system's experience.
>
>
> -Clearly, the screening system worked well, as not a single terrorist
> incident has happened since the program was in effect.
>
> or
> -Clearly, the screening system failed to work, as not a single
> terrorist threat or event was uncovered or prevented.
>
> or
> -Clearly, the program was for PR purposes only, as not a single search
> was actually performed under the program1, and the program was allowed
> to lapse, and at this time there are "no plans to institute random bag
> inspections"2 again.
>
>
>
> see
>
> 1 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/06/AR2008120601866.html
> and
> 2 http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4076
>
>
> On Thu, Oct 29, 2009 at 10:38 AM, Dave Farber <dave () farber net> wrote:
> > Begin forwarded message:
> >
> > From: Bob Drzyzgula <bob () drzyzgula org>
> > Date: October 29, 2009 10:29:56 AM EDT
> > To: Dave Farber <dave () farber net>
> > Cc: ip <ip () v2 listbox com>
> > Subject: Random baggage searches coming to Maryland commuter trains
> >
> >
> > http://www.gazette.net/stories/10282009/montnew182943_32530.shtml
> >
> > | MARC commuter train passengers soon will need to give
> > | themselves extra time to board their trains, as random
> > | security screenings start Friday.
> > |
> > | Federal air marshals will be conducting the screenings
> > | initially to train Maryland Transit Administration police in
> > | screening techniques and in using the equipment, said MTA
> > | police Maj. Fred Damron.
> > |
> > | [...]
> > |
> > | As to the effectiveness of random searches, Gary D. LaFree,
> > | director of the National Consortium for the Study of
> > | Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism at the University of
> > | Maryland, said there is no empirical evidence as to whether
> > | screenings work as a deterrent.
> > |
> > | "Probably the true answer is we don't know if it works,"
> > | LaFree said.
> > |
> > | [...]
> >
> > Press release:
> >
> > http://www.mtamaryland.com/news/press/index.cfm?id=553&year=2009&month=10
> >
> > | 10/26/2009
> > | source - MTA
> > |
> > | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
> > |
> > | Police Security Checkpoints at MARC Stations
> > |
> > | Random Security Checks Planned for MARC Stations:
> > | Customers Urged To Allow For Extra Time
> > |
> > | BALTIMORE, 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.
> > |
> > | For general information on MTA service, visit the MTA
> > | website at www.mtamaryland.com. Customers can also call the
> > | MTA Transit Information Center Monday through Friday from 6
> > | A.M. to 7 P.M. at 410-539-5000 (TTY 410-539-3497) or
> > | 866-RIDE-MTA (866-743-3682). To sign-up to receive email
> > | announcements about service modifications and delays, go to
> > | www.mtamaryland.com and click “Email Notification.”
> > |
> > | # # #
> > |
> > |
> > | MEDIA CONTACTS:
> > | Jawauna Greene             Cheron Victoria Wicker
> > | Office: 410- 767-3936     Office: 410-767-3936
> > | Cellular: 443-392-2983  Cellular: 443-386-8605
> >
> >
> > Archives



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