The 1952 movie, "The Narrow Margin," was filmed mostly on a passenger. A plain clothes officer carries a firearm. The passenger conductor likewise carried a concealed firearm. The train was on a western railroad.
What was the policy for railroad companies to arm company employees in the 1950's? Was the arming members of a passenger crew unique to western railroads?
What is the history and legal basis for railroad police forces?
What is the legal basis for law enforcement by railroad police officers today?
Railroad Post Office employees (USPO not railroad employees) carried sidearms to guard the mail.
Railroad police are commissioned police officers and have authority in in any jurisdiction in which the railroad operates.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
RIDEWITHMEHENRY is the name for our almost monthly day of riding trains and transit in either the NYCity or Philadelphia areas including all commuter lines, Amtrak, subways, light rail and trolleys, bus and ferries when warranted. No fees, just let us know you want to join the ride and pay your fares. Ask to be on our email list or find us on FB as RIDEWITHMEHENRY (all caps) to get descriptions of each outing.
Lots of information on railroad police at this site:
http://www.therailroadpolice.com/history.htm
Thanks. I was aware of both the USPO and REA employees being armed. Thanks for mentioning it. Many years ago as a child I remember seeing REA employees in the St. Louis Union Station operating a tractor with three baggage carts in tow being armed.
Great insight. It was probably something for the plot of the movie not representative of actual practice.
WilliamKiesel The 1952 movie, "The Narrow Margin," was filmed mostly on a passenger. A plain clothes officer carries a firearm. The passenger conductor likewise carried a concealed firearm. The train was on a western railroad. What was the policy for railroad companies to arm company employees in the 1950's? Was the arming members of a passenger crew unique to western railroads? What is the history and legal basis for railroad police forces? What is the legal basis for law enforcement by railroad police officers today?
LInk to BNSF Website and its BNSF 'Police Team'
@ http://www.bnsf.com/communities/safety-and-security/police-team/
The BNSF Police seem to maintain a higher profile( than I had seen in other locations) at least around Wichita. They have done appearances at Railroad Crossings where they pass out literature to passing motorists, particularly at busier crossings that have had 'incidents'.
If one Googles a Search for "Railroad Police Depts" you can find links to various railroad Police Depts: BNSF, UPRR, CSX. and a link to the History of Railroad Special Agents @ http://www.therailroadpolice.com/history.htm#US Railroad Police
The various Railroad Police " Special Agents"/ Policemen enjoy a reciprocity with all Law Enforcement that are impacted by the presence of a Railroad. And they do interact with various Police Juristictions in matter concerning railroads and their issues.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.