Metro News Release
For immediate release: February 13, 2006
Metro Transit Police offer safety tips for people using electronic devices
It’s quite common these days to see passengers riding Metrorail and Metrobus using a variety of electronic devices such as cell phones, Blackberries, MP-3 players, or portable music players. With these devices in such demand, the Metro Transit Police Department is looking to remind the more than 1.2 million who use Metro each day to remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times while using these devices.
As part of their efforts, on Monday, February 13, the Transit Police distributed important safety information for patrons on how best to stay safe while riding Metro at the Rosslyn Metrorail station.
Additionally, police distributed identification decals for riders to affix to their electronic devices that will help recover them if they are lost or stolen. Riders can then register those tagged devices in a national database.
"While theft of electronic items has not been a cause of concern at Metro, we are keenly aware of their popularity," said Metro Transit Police Sergeant Warren Donald, who also heads up the Rail Anti-Crime Target Squad (RATS). "Passengers using these devices tend to lose all awareness of their surroundings and that’s why we want to convey the importance of being alert at all times and to protect personal items while traveling on Metro."
The Metro Transit Police would like to remind everyone of the following personal safety tips when using riding Metro:
* Always be alert of your surroundings and the people around you.
* If using an electronic device, such as a cell phone, MP-3 or portable music player, please use the device at a low to moderate decibel level.
* If using an MP-3, or portable music player, use black headphones instead of white headphones to make them less noticeable and try to clutch the item inside a coat, backpack or purse.
* Avoid talking to strangers, especially in isolated areas.
* If carrying a purse, hold it tightly, and close to your body.
* If carrying a wallet, keep it in your front pocket.
"We want our passengers using Metrorail and Metrobus to enjoy their trip in a safe and secure manner," said Sergeant Donald. "Anytime something unusual or suspicious occurs in the Metro system, our passengers should always seek out a uniformed Metro employee, or contact the Metro Transit Police 24-hour communications center at (202) 962-2121."
News release issued on February 13, 2006.