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