Metro News Release

For immediate release: September 8, 2006

Metro security enhanced since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks

The terrorist attacks in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, and the subsequent terror attacks on trains in Madrid in 2004, and buses and trains in London in 2005 raised security concerns and highlighted the vulnerabilities of mass transportation systems, including Metro.

“Are we safer today than we were five years ago" Yes we are,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Polly Hanson. “We’ve implemented many, many security measures and continue to get stronger everyday. The most important element to stop terror is people, and we have been earnest in reaching out to our riders and employees, and sensitizing them to the terror threat.”

During the last five years, Metro has focused on ways to enhance the safety and security of its riders, employees and facilities. Security initiatives ranged from adding more officers to the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) and acquiring more sophisticated explosives and chemical detection equipment to educating Metro’s 10,000 employees and 1 million-plus riders about terrorism, reporting suspicious activities and preparing for emergency situations.

Many of Metro’s security enhancements have been funded with federal monies. Immediately following 9/11, Metro received $49 million through Congressional emergency appropriations and funded projects such as: chemical sensors in underground rail stations, additional MTPD canine teams, intrusion detection systems for Metro facilities, personal protective equipment such as gas masks for frontline employees, Automatic Vehicle Locators (AVL) and cameras on Metrobuses, and bomb-containment trash cans.

Since the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, Metro has received security grants totaling $29 million over four years (fiscal years 2003-2006). Projects funded or to be funded with this round of federal monies include an alternate operations control center, more counter terror equipment for MTPD, regional transit-specific emergency preparedness training, and additional fiber optics to enhance communications systems.
The following list highlights security enhancements and initiatives undertaken by Metro in the last five years:

Policing
Chemical detection program
Metro has a robust chemical, biological, radiological detection program that aims to mitigate the consequences of the release of a chemical, biological or radiological agent in the system. Federal funding since the 9/11 attacks five years ago, has helped Metro expand the program and install more sensors in rail stations and purchase handheld portable chemical detectors for Transit Police officers. Specifics of the chemical, biological, radiological detection program are not discussed for security reasons.

Explosive ordnance detection
MTPD created the Explosive Ordnance Detection team to respond to and resolve incidents involving suspicious packages and threats of explosives. The team uses a variety of equipment, including a portable x-ray machine, bomb robot and explosive detection dogs to identify, remove and disrupt potentially explosive devices.

Canine program
The MTPD canine program gained several explosive detection dogs that completed a comprehensive training program that taught them to detect a variety of odors associated with explosives. The dogs and their handlers conduct routine sweeps of buses, trains, rail stations and other Metro facilities, and respond to specific incidents.

Targeted Train Inspection
A large contingent of Metro Transit Police officers, including a canine team, blanket Metrorail stations to look for suspicious activity. They choose random stations at random times for surprise station and train inspections. The officers spread out along the length of the station platform and inspect all trains passing through the station.

Metrobus Enforcement Division
Metro is adding 20 Metro Transit Police officers to the Metrobus Enforcement Division (MED) this year to address security concerns of Metrobus riders and employees. MED responsibilities include patrolling bus garages and bus routes in all three jurisdictions, investigating offenses that occur on buses, bus stops and bus garages, and conducting terrorism awareness training classes for bus personnel.

High Intensity Targeted Enforcement
MTPD has increased security on Metrobuses with the High Intensity Targeted Enforcement (HITE) effort. Police officers saturate select bus routes with both uniformed and plainclothes police. The officers ride the buses, patrol busy bus stops, and talk with passengers, bus drivers and community residents.

Staffing
Currently, MTPD has an authorized strength of 423 sworn officers. In September 2001, the department had 320 sworn officers. Transit Police Officers provide a variety of law enforcement and public safety services in the Metrorail and Metrobus systems. Officers have jurisdiction and arrest powers throughout the 1,500 square mile transit zone that includes Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia for crimes that occur on or against Metro facilities.

Partnering with federal and local policing agencies
MTPD has developed a solid working relationship with local and federal police agencies, joining forces for the annual Fourth of July celebration, the 2005 presidential inauguration, and numerous special events throughout the region. Other police agencies also have voluntarily deployed officers to Metro stations in their jurisdictions during periods of heightened security. This year on Sept. 11, 2006, officers from police agencies in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia will be in the Metro system to add another layer of security to mass transit. In the days following the July 7, 2005, attack in London, officers from U.S. Park Police, U.S, Capitol Police, Pentagon Police Force, Arlington County Police Department, Metropolitan Police Department and other police agencies, patrolled Metro facilities.

Increased tunnel inspections
MTPD officers ride alongside Metrorail operators through tunnels, adding another level of inspection in Metro’s infrastructure.

Communications with the federal agencies
MTPD participates in regular intelligence briefings with the FBI and other federal agencies. A MTPD Captain participates on the FBI’s National Terrorism Task Force.

Regional transit cooperation
MTPD participates in Northeast Corridor Initiative, working closely with Amtrak Police and other police agencies in the Northeast Corridor.

Facilities/Equipment
Emergency Response Training Facility
Metro built and opened the Emergency Response Training Facility in Landover for first responders across the region. The training facility includes a 260-foot tunnel, two old Metrorail cars, and a simulated electrified third rail for mock fire and rescue exercises, and terrorism and disaster drills. More than 8,000 firefighters, police officers and first responders—including fire departments in the District of Columbia, Arlington, Alexandria, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and Pentagon Force Protection Agency—have trained at the facility. The tunnel is available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week for training exercises. The training facility also houses the nation’s first passenger rail emergency evacuation simulator. The emergency evacuation simulator can roll a passenger commuter rail car 180 degrees (upside down) in 10-degree increments, simulating railcar positions after derailments or other rail incidents. Metro will use the “rollover rig” to train fire, police, and other first responders on the complications associated with rescuing people from a rail car that has rolled over on its side or even upside down. The Federal Railroad Administration will use the emergency evacuation simulator to assist in evaluating interior design safety of intercity and commuter passenger rail cars.

Alternate Operations Control Center (OCC)
Metro is in the process of putting in place an Alternate OCC, addressing a high priority security need cited in two federal security assessments. Metro has applied most of its DHS Transit Grant Program funding to this project.

ID-entry system
Metro initiated an ID-entry system for Metro headquarters and several field locations. Metro also installed metal detectors and an x-ray machine for all visitors to the headquarters building.

Intrusion detection system
Metro installed intrusion and perimeter security systems at Metrorail stations, rail yards and other Metro facilities.

Explosive-containment trash cans
Metro continues to install explosive-containment trash cans in Metrorail stations. Trash cans were removed from station platforms as a security precaution following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In 2002, Metro began placing new explosive-containment trash cans in the free areas of stations and modified recycling bins with narrow slots for newspaper disposal only. Last year, Metro purchased additional explosive-containment trash cans and began installing them on station platforms after Metro riders noted more trash on trains and in stations.

Automatic vehicle locators
Metrobus installed automatic vehicle locator (AVL) systems on all buses to track and monitor buses.

Video cameras on Metrobuses
Currently, 585 Metrobuses (roughly 40 percent of the Metrobus fleet) have on-board cameras. Initially, Metro installed security cameras on 100 Metrobuses to help deter criminal activity and assist the police department in criminal and accident investigations. To address safety and security concerns of Metrobus operators and riders, Metro purchased more cameras for buses. In addition, every new Metrobus will have video cameras.

Upgrades to public announcement system
The public address system is being upgraded in 39 underground stations. The new public address system will serve as a valuable tool to disseminate information during an emergency.

Replacement of closed circuit television monitors
30 Metrorail stations are getting new closed circuit television monitors.

New uniforms for police
MTPD officers began wearing new uniforms in July. The bright blue uniform shirts make the police officers more visible and easily identifiable.

Training
Behavioral Assessment Screening System (BASS) training
300 Metro Transit Police and regional law enforcement officers took a highly specialized training course in spring 2006 to spot behaviors of would-be terrorists planning or executing an attack, and learned how to take action to mitigate danger, including confronting a suicide bomber.

Warning Signs video by the National Transit Institute
The Warning Signs video was posted on Metro’s intranet for Metro employees to view. The video, by the National Transit Institute, was created specifically to give transit employees information on system security. Topics covered include observing, identifying and reporting suspicious activities and behaviors, how to determine whether items are suspicious or unattended, and how to respond to incidents. MTPD and Operations trainers developed a class on system security based on the Warning Signs video. The training class is mandatory for Operations employees.

Terrorist Activity Recognition and Reaction class for employees
MTPD offered the Terrorist Activity Recognition and Reaction training class to all employees. The class covers the role of all Metro employees in safeguarding the Metro system, customers and fellow employees.

Regional emergency preparedness training
More than 1,500 first responders have attended the Managing Metro Emergencies course, hosted by Metro Transit Police. The class covers mitigation, evacuation, transportation of evacuated rail riders and recovering from incidents, such as fires, crashes and acts of terrorism. The course focuses on better management of pedestrian and vehicle traffic after any evacuations of rail stations.

Metro Citizens Corps
More than 200 citizens across the region have received Metro Citizens Corps training. The program provides Metro-specific training ranging from rail safety, and emergency preparation and response to identification of terrorist activity. Area residents who have received specialized safety/emergency response training within their local jurisdictions are eligible to join the Metro Citizens Corps.

Emergency preparedness drills
The Safety Department and MTPD sponsor emergency drills with local fire and police departments and federal agencies. The drills give area first responders the opportunity to practice response and rescue efforts involving Metrorail trains and tunnels. The drills factor in terrorism and many simulated incidents include a mock explosion on or near a train. The next multi-jurisdictional emergency drill is planned for Sunday, Sept. 17.

Customer Outreach
Advertising and outreach campaigns
Metro relies on the watchfulness of its 1.2 million riders each weekday to safeguard the system and continually refreshes its security messages. Metro reaches out to passengers through system, train and bus announcements, and through security-themed posters in the rail and bus system. Advertising campaigns over the last five years have included: Safety in Numbers which lets riders know that all of Metro’s 10,000 employees and millions of riders play a role in keeping the system safe; See it" Say it! which encourages riders to report unusual behavior, unattended packages and suspicious activity to a Metro employee or call Transit Police at 202-962-2121; and Is that your bag" , a campaign that urges riders who see another person leave something on a train to ask the person if the item belongs to them and to report unattended items. The most recent ad reminds Metro riders to remain vigilant. The headline of the ad reads, “Terrorism in the threat. Complacency is the accomplice.”

Emergency Management Outreach sessions
The Safety Department and Metro Transit Police host outreach sessions at different rail stations throughout the year. Metro officials greet riders with safety, security and emergency preparedness reminders during their commutes. Metro riders have the opportunity to share their ideas and concerns with safety officials and learn about safety features in the Metro system. Metro uses the opportunity to keep an open line of communications with riders and remind them about their role in keeping Metro safe by remaining aware of their surroundings and reporting suspicious activity.

Metro safety tips
Metrorail train operators regularly deliver safety/security announcements at station stops over the train’s public address system. The announcements range from reporting suspicious behavior to rail car evacuation procedures. In addition, security messages are broadcast over the Metrorail system public address system in both English and Spanish. Recorded safety reminders also are played on Metrobuses.

Evacuation procedures
While Metro has emphasized the importance of following the instructions of Metro employees in the event of an emergency on Metrobus or Metrorail, riders should also familiarize themselves with evacuation procedures. Rail car evacuation procedures that illustrate how to open the emergency exit door are posted near the center doors of every Metrorail car. In addition, Metro created an animated evacuation demo that shows proper evacuation procedures from Metrorail and Metrobus. It is posted on Metro’s Web site.

News release issued on September 8, 2006.