Metra Disaster
You thought we had it rough? Metra takes the cake:
- Do you think security is all it could be on Metra?
Think again.
Sneed is told Metra, the system of 11 rail lines connecting Chicago to six counties and 241 stations in Northeastern Illinois, may not be as safe as you think it is.
“We have been derailed by understaffing, poor equipment and leadership without a mission,” said a Metra police source.
“And we were carrying guns we weren’t certified to carry for three years until January.”
“If you think you are safe on a Metra train, you are not,” he said.
The entire piece is a a story of a completely neglected department, undercut at every turn by misappropriation of funds, poor hiring practices and outright neglect.
Labels: we got nothing
posted by SCC at 12:03 AM
38 Comments:
Well that explains this little piece of propaganda just a week or so ago doesn' it?
VIDEO: Feds Swarm Metra Train After Detecting Nuclear Risk
(CBS) — It was stunning for those who watched Thursday night as federal agents investigated a possible nuclear threat at Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center.
CBS 2′s photojournalist Lana Hinshaw-Klann happened to be at the scene and used a cell-phone camera to record agents in action. Reporter Dave Savini looks into what agents were looking for and what they found.
Sources say the agents were members of the elite TSA VIPR team on the 5:04pm Union Pacific West line. They were carrying hand-held nuclear-detection devices that picked up a reading.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/03/15/video-feds-swoop-in-on-metra-train-after-detecting-nuclear-risk/
HA, what-do-ya know. They got a video of it all complete with Hollywood style close-up of the DHS VIPR agent too!
The nuclear monitors were alledgedly tripped by a man that just had medical nuclear testing done.
Anyone else think it's fishy? No, see it's safe. Feds have it all under control -- why just last week they almost busted this guy......
Yeah right.
Is this an alternate planet? Sneed columns are now being used?
I have seen lately a bunch of Cook County police at Oglivie lately, not sure what that is about. Metra should not have its own police force.
...and the hell of it is that someone "calling the police" the best they can in downtown Chicago, say threatened by pos in Randolph St. commuter underpass and call 911, gets back "METRA problem" and a long phone number. The caller just knows they are in Chicago and need help.
It comes to mind -- last time I called a posted "RR emergency" number -- fire burning under one car of a METRA commuter train -- I realized that I was talking to someone at BNSF, some windowless bunker in the high desert. I had to start again by explaining where Illinois was and what METRA was. "Fire?" Yes, fire.
Could not get the train crew's attention by yelling and waving, so these days the next person you can contact may be a couple of thousand miles away. I got the CAR NUMBER and told them it was on westbound local train, just left [station name]. I guess they picked up the ball OK -- at least there was no disaster on the news later -- but it was a moment.
Often you bring a lot more to the table than the twenty-something person on the other end, to whom everything is an abstraction, and who wants to avoid dealing with anything if they can help it. This is everywhere today.
Can I get a job with metra? I see they don't do crap and drive around in nice new cars. I am down with dat!!!
The Indiana Legislature is thinking of cloaning Metra in a bill going through its Statehouse at the current session.
HB 1011 passed The House and a State Senate Committee.
After reading this story, with the new Gary - Indianapolis route coming, Indiana can look forward to:
*Another Government Layer
*Higher TAXES
*More equal distribution of VIOLENT CRIME.
"Good neighbors make great Metropolitan Areas!"
The metra board is run by a bunch of con-artist. Why would they provide employees with the tools to do the job right.
"a story of a completely neglected department, undercut at every turn by misappropriation of funds, poor hiring practices and outright neglect."
=====================
Sounds like the CPD.
yup, sounds just like any other government run agency around here--- cta disaster, cps disaster, cpd disaster, etc... oh yes, also the state of illinois disaster....
Sounds familiar.
Just one word, repeated three times: patronage, patronage and patronage. It is rife all through the Metra organization. The police, for the most part, are Ok and trying to do a job, although undermanned, under equipped and poorly led. Time to bring that department under professional leadership and funding. And, for godsakes, please do not hire any former exempts from CPD that were merit appointees. If you do not believe me just ask the officers at the U of C and U of I departments.
What is also laughable if it wasn't so serious , is Aviation Police {who are sent to either Chicago or Cook County Academies}and are given certification by the state of IL.cannot carry on duty but can carry off duty as they are assigned an ORI number under state law. How can Metra carry when they are not certified? The whole state county and city are run by incompitents bent on taking our tax money for moronic purpose such as "maggie park" Metra you are not alone in your quest to rid yourselves of morons!CPD also has it's share of incompitents as witnessed by our troops on a daily basis.
Maybe DHS can release some the 1.5 billion rounds its been buying up over the past two years.
What's up with that?
I sense an agenda here.
So some cops didn't bother to qualify? Big deal. Are they any better cops after they shot a box of ammo up (or more likely part of a box)?
Danny Dugan is going to be the director of security for metra
"11th Dist King said...
Can I get a job with metra? I see they don't do crap and drive around in nice new cars. I am down with dat!!!
3/24/2013 04:44:00 AM"
Unless of course you are killed at a METRA Station while 'driving around' aloone and it is never solved.
"Well that explains this little piece of propaganda just a week or so ago doesn' it?"
"VIDEO: Feds Swarm Metra Train After Detecting Nuclear Risk"
3/24/2013 12:48:00 AM
Sure it does. Every agency loves the Feds, and troubled departments especially seek to bring "elite squads" of federal officers onto their turf to grab headlines and make the home team look even more like dorks.
"HA, what-do-ya know."
Idiot.
Brookfield IL PD found your urine bottle cache last summer without any trouble.
Now go clean the Mr. Coffee -- and put some paper in that Xerox machine too.
For everyone else -- there is some really good radiation detection gear in the field, and TSA probably has the lower end of it. There is other stuff you would not believe.
Metra should not have its own police force.
I'm sure the Metra Sgt that got stabbed last week might have something to say about that.
They are the best, and have all the equip. to handle train vs. anything accidents.
I stand by them, and appreciate their backup.
Just my 2 bits.
Anonymous said...
...and the hell of it is that someone "calling the police" the best they can in downtown Chicago, say threatened by pos in Randolph St. commuter underpass and call 911, gets back "METRA problem" and a long phone number. The caller just knows they are in Chicago and need help.
It comes to mind -- last time I called a posted "RR emergency" number -- fire burning under one car of a METRA commuter train -- I realized that I was talking to someone at BNSF, some windowless bunker in the high desert. I had to start again by explaining where Illinois was and what METRA was. "Fire?" Yes, fire.
Could not get the train crew's attention by yelling and waving, so these days the next person you can contact may be a couple of thousand miles away. I got the CAR NUMBER and told them it was on westbound local train, just left [station name]. I guess they picked up the ball OK -- at least there was no disaster on the news later -- but it was a moment.
Often you bring a lot more to the table than the twenty-something person on the other end, to whom everything is an abstraction, and who wants to avoid dealing with anything if they can help it. This is everywhere today.
3/24/2013 02:13:00 AM
If I see a train on fire I call the fire department. not the owner/operator of the train. But that's just me.
What would you do if you saw a building on fire, call the landlord?
The Clout Railroad. Wooo ooooo!
WTF do any of you idiots know about another agency's job or hiring practices unless you have first hand knowledge? Just spouting off again? Morons....
Yeah fuck head. Tell that to the family of Tom Cook who paid the ultimate price trying to tame the beast. We're all in this to control- you know who- and all you people do is belittle anyone else that isn't CPD. Get ou of your mommas basement and become a man with a brain.
I especially enjoy all of the bust-outs/heroin addicts that hang out around Union Station and Ogilvy! Makes me wanna come downtown with my wife and infant child for a shopping adventure on the Mag Mile during a beautiful Wilding Saturday! If the locals don't kill you, the taxes surely will!
Mass transit has an elite tact team that has some gagets and nice suvs that the feds paid for. These tact guys and tact sgt are not qualified to work at mcdonalds . Just as messed up as metra
Anonymous said...
Is this an alternate planet? Sneed columns are now being used?
I have seen lately a bunch of Cook County police at Oglivie lately, not sure what that is about. Metra should not have its own police force.
3/24/2013 02:00:00 AM
Railroads have always had their own police forces. Goes back a long way. Used to be called gumshoes. Around freight yards they worked to prevent or catch thieves. Frequently the thieves were employees. Who else would do it? CPD or sheriff? Hah!
Metra Police are certified Police officers, they all have prior police backgrounds as Metra only hires either laterals or retired cops. it is a good department and I guess this entire mess came from a few disgruntled members.
Chief Hanson Welcomes New Deputy Chief
Please join me in welcoming Daniel F. Dugan Jr. as Deputy Chief for the Amtrak Police Department Central/Southwest/Pacific regions. Deputy Chief Dugan brings a long and valuable history in Law Enforcement to our Department that he began as a Cadet in Glenwood, Illinois in March 1972.
While attending Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois, Dan was hired as a University Police Officer in May 1975. In December 1978, he joined the Fulton County Sheriff’s Police Department attaining the rank of Sergeant before accepting a position with the Chicago Police Department on August 30, 1982.
The majority of his Chicago Police Career was dedicated to patrol operations. In his early years, he worked District Tactical as a Police Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. Dan rose through the command ranks of the Department serving as a District Commander, Commander of Special Operations Section, Assistant Deputy Superintendent (BOS), Deputy Chief of Area One, Area Three, Patrol Administration Group, and Deputy Superintendent heading the Bureau of Patrol.
He retired from the Chicago Police Department in November 2010.
Dan received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (165th Session), and a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Dan was appointed as a member of the Chicago Emergency Telephone System Board (2006 – 2010), Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) Board of Governor’s (2008 – 2010), and a Board member with the CPD Enforcers Football Team, a National Public Safety Football League Team (2007 – Present).
I am enthusiastic about Deputy Chief Dugan joining our Department and encourage everyone to welcome him as the newest member of our team.
Chief Polly Hanson
Amtrak Police Department
Wagonman says,
I work in 001 and deal with Metra coppers from time to time. They are always helpful when you have a job in their station, and will back you up out on street. The whole Metra set up stinks, but dont put the blame on their police, they are making an effort.
"If I see a train on fire I call the fire department. not the owner/operator of the train. But that's just me.
"What would you do if you saw a building on fire, call the landlord?"
3/24/2013 04:46:00 PM
Uh -- a building isn't moving.
Train is moving - maybe 60 MPH or more. Fire engines not going to chase up the tracks after it.
Idea is to get it stopped before the wind whips the fire up worse, something burns through and drops to the tracks and causes a derailment, fire/smoke spreads to passenger compartment, etc.
If can't get crew attention of that train, try for nearest train/engine crew with a radio and they can tell the dispatcher, or telephone RR and let them know, they can get the thing stopped and THEN they can call for FD help in whatever municipality the thing ends up in.
Hah, sounds like UIC. Offcs way behind on quals, fucked up cars, radios that don't work, poor leadership. What's it going to take to turn these departments around? Someone getting killed?
Didn't the head of Metra just last week testify down in Springfield that they wanted a law prohibiting ccw on Metra trains?
If there is a Metra line running through your District, the Metra Police usually monitor that Zone. If not, the Zone , and your FOP Book have the #'s to downtown. Forget those 1-800 or 888 #'s.Maybe for down gates, but not in an emergency like a fire.
Thanks to the Metra PD for all their help over the years. Stay Safe Officers.
Metra Police Officers are everywhere Riverdale, Harvey, Homewood, Oak Brook, Elmwood Park, and the entire City and I notice they will stop and ask if a Police Officer needs help if they see you are down on a traffic stop or if you on a disturbance. Good Police Officers, but their leadership needs to improve.
Anonymous said...
Didn't the head of Metra just last week testify down in Springfield that they wanted a law prohibiting ccw on Metra trains?
3/25/2013 07:05:00 AM
Don't they already have some kind of laws against shooting and killing people?
"...the Zone, and your FOP Book "...have the #'s to downtown. Forget those 1-800 or 888 #'s.Maybe for down gates, but not in an emergency like a fire."
3/25/2013 11:51:00 AM
Thanks! I have used the posted numbers to get the maintainers for littler problems, forgot to lock up and left their Spintite after fixing a gate >grin< -- always look out for the RR.
"Thanks to the Metra PD for all their help over the years. Stay Safe Officers."
Absolutely.
"Metra Police Officers are everywhere Riverdale, Harvey, Homewood, Oak Brook, Elmwood Park, and the entire City and I notice they will stop and ask if a Police Officer needs help if they see you are down on a traffic stop or if you on a disturbance. Good Police Officers, but their leadership needs to improve."
3/25/2013 12:05:00 PM
Absolutely.
Chicago has always been the railroad center of the US. We have Chicago and suburban police, then Amtrak and METRA police -- Amtrak and METRA are entities that operate over tracks owned by many different railroads -- and then the railroad police agencies, BNSF, CP, BRC, IHB, CSX...many others. And we just saw TSA in there. All overlapping each other -- communications could be improved.
It used to be that there were more manned stations, manned interlocking towers often every few miles, and manned radio-equipped cabooses on the backs of freight trains. Now many stations have been closed, routes are remote-controlled from centers 1000 miles away, and the cabooses were eliminated in labor agreements ca. 1985.
It used to be anyone on the ground, station, tower, or in one train would inspect any other passing train for problems and then signal the guys on the rear, "OK" or "Stop." There is simply less human presence around today to deal with problems. More TV cameras and "detectors" and stuff, but fewer walking human computers.
It would be good to get together and distribute a plastic wallet card with emergency #s of all the different agencies.
"Retired SGT said...We're all in this to control- you know who-" and that is right. Also for the general public good that the trains continue to roll safely.
...and when YOU are around the tracks...
EXPECT MOVEMENT ON ANY TRACK AT ANY TIME IN ANY DIRECTION
"Metra Police are certified Police officers, they all have prior police backgrounds as Metra only hires either laterals or retired cops. it is a good department and I guess this entire mess came from a few disgruntled members."
3/24/2013 08:54:00 PM
You could be right...and their service pistol/caliber is not some kind of obsolete oddball -- it is latest design, current manufacture used by many departments large and small including entire state PDs.
CPD can't have a decent range because of some alleged bird, not surprising that other depts. would have qualification quandaries...
Every dept. has room for improvements...
Anyone ever seen a major point-finger-and-scream expose' on Chicago journalists -- their backgrounds, their family and political and business interests and connections, etc?
That's what I thought.
*
Dugan will do good at Ammtrak, despite any downfalls as Chief of Patrol, you are only as good as those on your team, and God knows we have no team!!! all out for themselves, especially our top brass, Dugan likes workers and folks that are team players.!!!!!
From Metra PD insider: Terry Hillard's firm can fix all of the many problems that Metra PD has! What Metra PD really needs is a real professional leader, someone similar to what Schaumburg just did. The fix needs to be from beginning to end, a complete reorganization! Thanks for all the words of support from all of you at CPD !!!
C’mon guys, take it easy on us. 99.9% of all RR coppers came from other state, county, and local PDs and we made the move for obvious reasons…salary, bennies and retirement. It’s not an easy job and we really do the best we can.
Our geographical responsibility is enormous and often times we’re all alone, literally. It’s been like that since the Civil War so we deal with it. And we know about sacrifice, there are over 150 of us on The Wall in DC.
We appreciate all the support you guys give us and will always return the favor.
So, next time you see a RR cop, stop by and say hello. You’ll probably be surprised to find that we’re not much different than you. We're all Brothers and Sisters.
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