Railroad police

In some countries, the powers of railroad police are no different from any other sworn law enforcement officer, while in others they are more like security guards.

Canadian railways, like those of the United States, aided in nation-building and brought new police agencies into existence.

The large numbers of navvies recruited to build the railways brought security problems for rail companies.

[1] This act allows a superior court (federal) judge to appoint a person as a police constable.

Often the primary jurisdictional police are required to deal with matters that occur on or in relation to railway property.

As special constables, they typically have full police powers when working on transit property to enforce the Criminal Code of Canada, as well as respective bylaws.

Bahnpolizei officers investigated trespassing on rail property, assaults against passengers, terrorism threats targeting the railway, arson, tagging of graffiti on railroad rolling stock or buildings, signal vandalism, pickpocketing, ticket fraud, robbery, and theft of personal belongings, baggage, or freight.

In 1992 the railway security mission was transferred to the Bundesgrenzschutz which resulted in the merger of the Bahnpolizei into the Federal Border Guard Force.

The Bundesgrenzschutz was then renamed the Bundespolizei (Federal Police) on July 1, 2005, and this force is currently responsible for security and passenger checks on the German railway system.

Polsuska has the responsibilities relating to law and order including security of railway stations and train users.

During peak seasons such as during the last days of Ramadan and other national holidays, Polsuska may be assisted by members from the military and police to provide additional security presence within the Indonesian Railways.

As their state counterparts, they usually carry a SIG Sauer P225 and pepper sprays as weapons, along with handcuffs for restrain options.

The British Transport Police protects the rail system in Great Britain, due to the nationalisation of the railways in 1948.

The history of railroad police in the United States traces back to the beginnings of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency.

Passing through areas far removed from the protective measures available in populated centers left railroad lines and their passengers and freight vulnerable to banditry.

[11][12] After the founding of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers in 1863, Pinkerton's and the new railroad police agencies became instrumental in crushing strikes of rail workers.

Pinkerton began this work for the South Michigan Line in 1854, and on 1 February 1855, he created the North West Police Agency with $10,000 given for the cause by six anxious Midwestern railroads.

However, critics argue that the broad powers of railroad police, combined with a lack of public accountability, create significant potential for conflicts of interest.

Other incidents railroad police investigate include derailments, train/vehicle collisions, vehicle accidents on the right of way, and hazardous materials releases.

Department of Traffic Police, part of Ministry of Public Security, includes a Bureau of Instructing and Organizing Safety of Railway.