Amtrak PASS Program

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(Special Agent Pat? Is this actually a person? I only ask because on first read, I took that as a euphemism for what's going on in the airports today.)
 
Kudos to Amtrak Police Chief John O'Connor, the very same gentleman who kicked TSA off of Amtrak property!

Of course there is s slight danger that now we will have railfans reporting each other, but hope not. BNSF apparently uses a similar program and it seems to work well.
 
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Kudos to Amtrak Police Chief John O'Connor, the very same gentleman who kicked TSA off of Amtrak property!
Of course there is the very small issue that TSA agents have been spotted on amtrak property after John O'Conner "kicked them off."
 
Kudos to Amtrak Police Chief John O'Connor, the very same gentleman who kicked TSA off of Amtrak property!
Of course there is the very small issue that TSA agents have been spotted on amtrak property after John O'Conner "kicked them off."
Why is that an issue. He had kicked them off pending agreement on a protocol of operation between TSA and Amtrak. Such protocol has apparently been agreed upon and is being executed. let us see what comes of it. Afterall there is no way no how that O'Connor could keep TSA off Amtrak property for ever. Let's get real..... DHS would help find a different Police Chief for Amtrak if he tried to keep TSA off Amtrak property on a permanent basis. :)
 
There is really no reason for this program. If anything truly suspicious is happening why would you waste time involving Amtrak's snitching network instead of simply calling the police? Start with 911. Full stop. Then dial 1-800-331-0008 for the Amtrak police. That is all you'll ever need to be a proud protector of America should you somehow be in the right place at the right time to prevent anything. Unlike the self-selected snitching network folks like Amtrak and BNSF are promoting they won't require you to hand over your name, phone number, residence, date of birth, etc. or sign any legally binding documents.

Could this be an opportunity to pal around with Special Agent Pat?
Maybe, if he applies for and receives his own card. But who would want to?
Guys, Please let that go. He doesn't even work for Amtrak anymore.
Let what go? The more you push us to pretend Special Agent Pat never showed up the more suspicious the whole thing seems.
 
There is really no reason for this program. If anything truly suspicious is happening why would you waste time involving Amtrak's snitching network instead of simply calling the police? Start with 911. Full stop. Then dial 1-800-331-0008 for the Amtrak police. That is all you'll ever need to be a proud protector of America should you somehow be in the right place at the right time to prevent anything. Unlike the self-selected snitching network folks like Amtrak and BNSF are promoting they won't require you to hand over your name, phone number, residence, date of birth, etc. or sign any legally binding documents.
The instructions for PASS participants are: Report suspicious or unusual activity immediately by calling the Amtrak Police National Communication Center at (800) 331-0008 or by dialing 911. Do not take any further action! There is no legally binding document to sign.

Of course no one needs to register to call those numbers. But OTOH, a program that makes people feel that they are participating in a useful cause is not a bad thing. Then again there will be bitter cynics who will always exist that will see things in a different light. :)
 
Great idea. Amtrak is our railroad and we the passengers have a vested interest in keeping it safe. Asking for citizen volunteer observers is a way to allow the passengers to participate in the security process without violating anyones constitutional rights. Add a few K-9 dogs at the major terminals and its all covered. Those dogs are trained to sniff out explosives at a far distance and you don't need harmful x-ray scanners, shoe removal or anyone to be patted down. I would be happy to participate in such a security system and we can also be helpful in keeping the drunks, the drug runners and the illegal immigrants off the train!
 
The instructions for PASS participants are: Report suspicious or unusual activity immediately by calling the Amtrak Police National Communication Center at (800) 331-0008 or by dialing 911. Do not take any further action!
Yes, I noticed that the snitching network already advises folks to do exactly as I said. It's the rest of the website that asks me to hand over my personal information in exchange for patriotic boilerplate that I don't feel so great about. <_<

There is no legally binding document to sign.
Actually there is. The one that states you are fully aware of restricted areas and will never dare to trespass on them for any reason. It's a seemingly minor agreement but in a court of law it would be admissible and could make things slightly more difficult if Amtrak or another owning/managing/governing entity decided to take action against you. It's not a huge thing but it's one more thing they could pile on if you were ever charged.

But OTOH, a program that makes people feel that they are participating in a useful cause is not a bad thing. Then again there will be bitter cynics who will always exist that will see things in a different light.
This was my natural reaction. Maybe I could have written my statements in a more positive light, but I think it's a reasonable position to be concerned about anything that promotes the continued erosion of our personal liberties, even if it means we may be slightly less safe as a result.
 
The instructions for PASS participants are: Report suspicious or unusual activity immediately by calling the Amtrak Police National Communication Center at (800) 331-0008 or by dialing 911. Do not take any further action!
Yes, I noticed that the snitching network already advises folks to do exactly as I said. It's the rest of the website that asks me to hand over my personal information in exchange for patriotic boilerplate that I don't feel so great about. <_<

There is no legally binding document to sign.
Actually there is. The one that states you are fully aware of restricted areas and will never dare to trespass on them for any reason. It's a seemingly minor agreement but in a court of law it would be admissible and could make things slightly more difficult if Amtrak or another owning/managing/governing entity decided to take action against you. It's not a huge thing but it's one more thing they could pile on if you were ever charged.

But OTOH, a program that makes people feel that they are participating in a useful cause is not a bad thing. Then again there will be bitter cynics who will always exist that will see things in a different light.
This was my natural reaction. Maybe I could have written my statements in a more positive light, but I think it's a reasonable position to be concerned about anything that promotes the continued erosion of our personal liberties, even if it means we may be slightly less safe as a result.
My only concern is that there is a small segment of people who will see this as an opportunity to become "Junior G-Men" and let an ID card go to their heads! There is nothing worse than a nut-case with a "Special Person ID Card" - who will eventually cause more trouble than good. On the whole I think it is a good idea to solicit help from people who know the rails, but it is not an opportunity to control, drunks, drug runners or other violators. I personally do not plan to enroll, unless I can get a real badge!!
 
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