Mookie's Musings

[FThunder11]

Isn't that what Railroad Cops are for, so that City or state, etc., Cops dont have to do it? By the way, sounds like a neat thing to listen to on the scanner. I'm getting my Great Aunts old 50 mile range scanner soon.

[Mookie]

Eric - as usual -I miss the good programs. Will have to peek in on it, even tho they probably won't cover trains.

Thanx for info.

M

[kenneo]

Mook,

As stated above, the railroads have their own police forces whose history dates from the mid-1800's. Originally, they were the only law around for the vast majority of areas and were given official police powers.

They still have those powers, but now restrict themselves (generally) to "detective" type operations since the railroads now depend on the local police for most peace officer activities. Liability is not an issue here unless the train crew does something really stupid like trying to move the train without the incident commander's authority.

If you watched "Numb3rs" Friday night, you saw several "police/FBI" types trying to get a certain train to move, but you may have noticed that it did not move. I do not know if the script was written specifically this way, but it does illustrate what you were asking.

[JoeKoh]

mookie
when the 2816 came into town(last summer) a passing train had an extra rider.he was spotted by rail officials. cops and deputies were all over that train pronto.since rr cops have such long areas to cover crews will call the local cops to help out if there is trouble.
stay safe
Joe

[Mookie]

Random Thoughts from a Random Mind:

Watched trains this weekend! Track all fixed. Nice and snug!

Had a good time at home Sat Night! I am sure you want to hear this!

Had police/fire scanner on - long story short, they were in pursuit, guy wrecked his car right near the 17th and Holdrege tracks (4 sets of them), two trains blocking tracks - one eastbound and moving and one westbound and moving.

Guy got on 4th car from engine, going eastbound.

Just gets more thrilling by the minute doesn't it!

This is still city limits, and eastbound is just starting to pick up speed and westbound is slowing down to go thru city campus.

Called BNSF and everything ground to a halt. What could have been a real problem and a messy one, too, ended up with guy in custody and trains off again. Took about 20 min.

Kudos to the BNSF personnel for getting right on the problem and the police department for their efficiency to end this "problem". They took roll call afterward (several cruisers and personnel involved) and after counting all the noses, everyone went back to work.

AND

Kudos to Trains magazine for another great story from my favorite former female switchperson and writer. (Wendy and the Lost Boys). Can't wait to see what railroad workers think of the story!

I followed her story pretty well, never having been in a yard, but learned lots from reading the forum!

I am sure there is a question in here somewhere.

Maybe - can anyone tell me what understandings/rules are in place when the police need to get on railroad property? I know you call the railroad and they will cooperate, but there must be something deeper than that. You have police climbing all over the train - there must be some kind of liability that is involved or at least accountability.

Any thoughts?

Reporterette from Lincoln!