About the Program

Protecting America’s railroad is the mission of the Amtrak Police Department, and the Partners for Amtrak Safety and Security (PASS) program encourages community members to assist Amtrak Police in their mission by acting as an additional set of eyes and ears, on the alert for potential security or safety problems.

While we are focused on enhancing passenger security every day, we also need your assistance. Now, more than ever before your awareness and reporting of suspicious events or people could be critical in protecting the passenger railroad.

Your commitment extends our reach, near terminals, along the railroad tracks, in stations, and onboard trains. Help maintain a safe and secure rail network by joining Partners for Amtrak Safety and Security.

Be watchful, be observant, and if you notice anything suspicious or unusual, please report it immediately by calling the Amtrak Police National Communication Center at (800) 331-0008 or by dialing 911.

Be Prepared to Report Suspicious Activity or Crime

Items that should be reported include, but are not limited to:

• Trespassers
• Vehicles left on or near tracks
• Suspicious packages or objects left on or near railroad property
• Suspicious activities or individuals, or unusual conduct in neighborhoods near or around railroad tracks and yards
• Crimes in progress such as theft, vandalism, or graffiti
• Threats or hostile language against the railroad
• Gates either left open or damaged

Be prepared by programming your phone with the number for the Amtrak Police Department National Call Center: (800) 331-0008.

Remain calm when reporting an incident. Avoid taking any risks. Keep away from the crime scene.

When you call to report suspicious activity, you will be asked for your name, address and telephone number. This information is requested in case additional contact with you becomes necessary. You can remain anonymous, if you wish.

Important Details

Be prepared with the proper information before reporting suspicious activity or crime by remembering these five (5) basic questions:

• Who? - Description of suspect(s).
• What? - Are the details of the event or what is the suspicious item?
  • Is anyone hurt?
  • Description of vehicle(s)
  • License plate number(s)
• Where? - Did the event occur or where is the suspicious item is located?
• When? - Did the event occur?
• How? - Additional details and circumstances that might assist the police.

Remain on the phone until you are sure the law enforcement agency has all the necessary information. Remember that with your assistance in reporting suspicious activities, law enforcement agencies can more effectively protect America’s railroad.

Public & Restricted Areas

Any time you are near the railroad you must remain aware that there are specific sections designated as either public or restricted areas.

A public area is open to general public access and occupancy, such as station areas and platforms (for ticketed passengers only. Signage, building design and physical barriers, i.e. fencing, bollards, etc., may also distinguish a public area from a restricted area.

A restricted area is any area not open to or occupied by the public, or is open to or occupied by the public on a limited basis. Signage, building design and physical barriers such as fencing, bollards, etc., may also distinguish a restricted area from a public area. Individuals found in any restricted area will be subject to investigation and possible arrest for trespassing. PASS membership does not authorize anyone to trespass on railroad property. Restricted areas include but are not limited to the following:

• Platforms (except for ticketed passengers or as otherwise permitted in Amtrak's Corporate Guidelines on Photography and Video recording)*
• Crew and Employee Work Areas
• Maintenance Facilities
• Unoccupied Trains and Engines
• Office Areas
• Employee Elevators
• Baggage/Delivery Areas
• Commissaries
• Right-of-Way and Track Areas
• In service train cars

* For further information, please refer to the Amtrak Corporate Guidelines on Photography and Video Recording