U.S. Rail Security
Recent media reports about missing rail spikes on a railroad in Illinois demonstrate the critical need for protecting the rail system.
TSA plays an important role in securing our railroads and conducts inspections and investigations to prevent attacks, share best practices and solve problems. Across the country, TSA deploys transit inspectors, VIPR teams, canine teams and provides grants to protect and support mass transit systems.
Layers of Security:
- Transit Inspectors- Through the Surface Transportation Security Inspection Program, or STSI, we have deployed 100 inspectors assigned to 18 field offices across the country, to provide support to our nation’s largest mass transit systems. Read more about our Security Inspectors.
- VIPR Teams- Federal Air Marshals, Surface Transportation, canine teams, and advanced screening technology working as Visible Intermodal Protection Response, or VIPR Teams, offer the ability to raise the level of security in any mode of transportation anywhere in the country quickly and effectively.
- Canine teams- Explosives detection canine teams provide strong detection and deterrent capabilities and can be sent quickly to key junction points across systems, stations, terminals, or other facilities. Read more about our canine explosive detection program.
- Grants- Our work focuses greater information sharing, increased training and public awareness, and providing greater assistance and funding for rail transit activities. Grants and awards to rail systems around the country total millions of dollars yearly.
Developing Technology
Mobile checkpoint equipment can fit into two standard size shipping containers and be rapidly deployed for use in screening and detection at any major system in the country. Read more about this unique approach to security screening.
Conducted in partnership with DOT, Amtrak, the Maryland Rail Commuter, and the Washington DC Metro Transit Authority, the Transit and Rail Inspection Pilot used advanced explosives detection equipment and canine patrols to screen thousands of passengers and bags. Read
Conducting Site Assessments to Strengthen Security
The Department of Homeland Security has conducted thousands of criticality assessments, in cooperation with federal, state, local, and private security partners, to determine best practices, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities across the nation.
Developing Recommendations for Securing Freight Rail
The efficient operation of our critical interstate rail system requires a uniform, nationwide approach to railroad security, and a list of security action items identified by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation during risk assessments and security review helps provide that uniformity. Read the Freight Rail Security Action Items.
Get the facts on what the Department of Homeland Security is doing for rail security by reading our Rail Security Fact Sheet.
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