Homeland Security and railfans

[Anonymous]

Hi Phil [:)]

Yes the times have changed and NOT for the better. COWARDS from halfway around the world have touched our lives and not in a pleasant way. I don't envy you or other police officers now, I am sure the job was hard enough before 9-11. BUT now there are other concerns to worry about and we all must keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.

Personally I am doing less railfanning and when I do, staying in one spot less time than normal. I have never had any problems yet but really don't expect to either, no problems from other railfans and no problems from the railroad or local police. I have chased trains in my city late at night and been in some areas where I would not get out of my truck but I was trying to get engine numbers and not take pics.

Thanks for posting this and giving us some heads up about it. If we are doing nothing wrong then we should have no problem cooperating with the police. I plan to cooperate.

Take care and stay safe. [:)]

[philnrunt]

Here at the small police dept that I work at, we have received a video and information on what to look for in the way of possible terrorist threats. I thought I would pass on some of the points that may affect railfans.
If you show "unusual or prolonged interest in security measures, entry points..." etc, you will draw attention.
"Discrete use of still cameras, video recorders, or note taking at non-tourist type locations, e.g., government facilities, airports, bridges, chemical plants"
Not hard to add rail facilities, port facilities etc to this list.
"Unusual items are observed within the vehicle, such as blueprints, sketching materials, surveilance equipment,e.g.,binoculars, video cameras, cameras with extensive adaptable lenses...."
There are some other suggestions reference things that railfans might be doing in the course of their hobby, my advice would be to carry identification, co-oporate with he cops, and remember they are local peace officers doing a job that soldiers with machine guns do in other countries.
I assuming these pamphlets were sent to all police depts for public disemination, if you stop by in a few days and ask for one they should be handouts, and they give an idea of what Sept 11 has wrought.