The history of policing on the
railroads can be traced back to about 1860 when over 30,000 miles of
railway
spanned the United States. There was little organized law
enforcement, and even less was available to protect the passengers
and freight carried across the country using this new mode of
transportation. The United States Marshals, which agency had primary
jurisdiction in many cases, were few and far between in the
wilderness. Railroad companies were left in large part to protect
themselves from robbery, sabotage and theft. Contract railroad
police gradually appeared, usually bearing the title of "special
agent" or "detective. Two of the most famous of these new detectives
were "Bat" Masterson and Allen Pinkerton. Over the years many famous
gangs of outlaws, as well as many lesser-known criminals, preyed
upon the railroads. The James and Younger gangs, the Daltons, the
Hole in the Wall gang and the Wild Bunch are among the best known.
The hiring of individuals was done
with little regard for their background. What was important was that
they could ride, track well and shoot straight if called upon to.
The law enforcement "profession" was far from it in those days. Many
men appointed as peace officers had been on the other side of the
law at one time or another. The line between the lawman and the
outlaw was blurred. Over the years, many thugs and undesirable
characters became Railroad Police Officers.
In those days, it was the general
custom to simply hand a newly appointed officer a badge and send him
out into the field without further instruction in the law or how it
was to be enforced. The manner in which these men did their job was
largely up to each individual. This method of selecting agents, and
the lack of training and discipline, tainted this branch of railroad
service for many years. Many times heavy handed, railroad police
came to be known as "bulls" "goons" and "yard cops" and had a
generally poor reputation among the communities along the rails. In
response, the railroads began contracting with professionals. Most
notable among these was the Pinkerton Agency. Although more
professional, and less corruptible, the contractors were always
looked upon as "outsiders" in the eyes of railroad employees. This
in many cases led to poor cooperation and a perpetual atmosphere of
mistrust.
On February 27, 1865, the
legislature of Pennsylvania enacted the Railroad Police Act -- the
first such legislation officially establishing and sanctioning
railroad police. This act authorized the governor of the state to
appoint railroad police officers, and gave these officers statewide
authority. It provided the model legislation that virtually every
other state in the nation has followed.
On March 23, 1901, California
passed a similar act which, is still in effect today. Upon the
request of a railroad, the Governor may commission individuals
nominated by the railroad as "police officers" (Public Utilities
Code 8226) and grant these officers the powers of a peace officer
(Penal Code 830.33(e). The authority of these officers extends
throughout the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Today's railroad police officer is
highly trained and tested. All officers must meet the basic training
standards set forth by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and
Training (POST), equal to any other peace officer in California. A
railroad police officer may be confronted at any time with
situations that require a learned and proper response, and basic
academy training is the foundation of the proper response. Hiring
standards are as stringent as for any city, county or state law
enforcement position. Officers also take advantage of in service and
advanced officer training offered through the many regional police
academies to broaden their skill sets and sharpen their techniques.
From investigating grade crossing
collisions to verifying seals on freight cars or presenting the
ongoing message of railroad safety to a group of school children,
the railroad police officer must be a master of all facets of the
law enforcement mission.
Law Enforcement on the rails, like police work
anywhere is not without peril. The names of 59 railway officers
appear on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in
Washington, DC. You can read more about these officers who have been
lost by
clicking
here.
