Amtrak, TSA and Security Officials Mobilise Major Northeast Corridor Rail Security Operation

A Northeast Corridor Rail security operation in the US involving approximately 100 commuter rail, state and local law enforcement agencies in nearly 150 stations from Virginia to Vermont has begun in an effort to expand counter-terrorism and incident response capabilities.

The operation involved the Amtrak Office of Security Strategy and Special Operations (OSSSO), Amtrak Police, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel and officers from commuter rail, state, and local police agencies

Amtrak Police Chief John O'Connor said that the task is designed to protect rail and mass transit passengers, patrons and employees from harm, man-made or otherwise.

"This operation provided the longest wall of security ever mobilised along the east coast," said O’Connor.

The Amtrak OSSSO Mobile Team security personnel and TSA agents were deployed to designated locations along the Northeast Corridor to conduct security activities, including the use of explosive trace detection devices during random passenger bag inspections.

Additionally, TSA's Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams were mobilised at undisclosed locations to enhance security activities through the use of specialised detection technologies that identify anomalies considered suspicious.

The main focus of VIPR operations is to deploy TSA resources to augment local security capabilities and facilitate deterrence through coordinated actions with local transportation entities and law enforcement

TSA assistant administrator John Sammon said that it is critical that we continue to expand and exercise our collective ability to respond to a terrorist threat or incident.

"Today's event offers the opportunity to demonstrate the force potential and security enhancement value of regional collaboration," he said.

Approximately 750,000 rail passengers use the Northeast Corridor and other rail systems integrated with the Corridor every day.

By Daniel Garrun