Transit and Railroad Police
Transit and railroad police protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.
Transit and Railroad police (also known as transit police or railway police among other terms) are specialized police agencies employed either by a common carrier- a transit district, railway, railroad, bus line, or any other mass transit provider or a municipality, or county, district, or state.
Some important responsibilities of the transit and railroad police include preparing investigation or incident reports, maintaining surveillance of individuals or establishments and apprehending criminal suspects. Above that, they collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to respond to incidents and direct law enforcement activities. They also have interstate law enforcement authority which can cross state boundaries under federal law.
To become a railroad police officer, you need a high school degree and an intern certificate. One may need to complete a training program to work if required by the employing transit company. Some states require an occupational license to work in this career and offer a good railroad police salary.
Being in a transit police job is noble work, which is mentally, physically, and emotionally demanding. One of the most important qualities that a railroad police job requires is being physically fit. To succeed in a career as a railroad police, one requires a strong moral character, problem-solving ability, critical thinking and knowledge of laws and enforcement, public security and transportation.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Bachelor's Any Subject
Tasks
- Patrol railroad yards, cars, stations, or other facilities to protect company property or shipments and to maintain order.
- Examine credentials of unauthorized persons attempting to enter secured areas.
- Apprehend or remove trespassers or thieves from railroad property or coordinate with law enforcement agencies in apprehensions and removals.
- Prepare reports documenting investigation activities and results.
- Investigate or direct investigations of freight theft, suspicious damage or loss of passengers' valuables, or other crimes on railroad property.
- Direct security activities at derailments, fires, floods, or strikes involving railroad property.
- Direct or coordinate the daily activities or training of security staff.
- Interview neighbors, associates, or former employers of job applicants to verify personal references or to obtain work history data.
- Record and verify seal numbers from boxcars containing frequently pilfered items, such as cigarettes or liquor, to detect tampering.
- Plan or implement special safety or preventive programs, such as fire or accident prevention.
Progression Routes
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