Transit and Railroad Police

Law Enforcement Officer
Patrol Man
Patrol Officer
Patrolman
Police Captain
Police Specialist
Railroad Police
Railroad Police Officer
Transit Police Officer

What is a Transit and Railroad Police?

Transit and Railroad Police are specialized law enforcement officers responsible for maintaining safety and security in public transportation systems, including subways, buses, trains, and associated facilities. These officers focus on preventing crime, enforcing laws, and ensuring the safe movement of passengers and cargo within transit systems and along railroad tracks. They are trained to respond to emergencies, investigate criminal activities, and collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to protect public transportation assets. Their duties often involve patrolling station areas, conducting security checks, addressing passenger concerns, and providing assistance in the event of accidents or disturbances. The role is critical in enhancing the overall safety of transit systems, promoting public confidence, and facilitating a smooth transit experience for commuters.

Career Assessment
Career Assessment

Tasks

  • Prepare reports documenting investigation activities and results.
  • Monitor transit areas and conduct security checks to protect railroad properties, patrons, and employees.
  • Apprehend or remove trespassers or thieves from railroad property or coordinate with law enforcement agencies in apprehensions and removals.
  • Direct security activities at derailments, fires, floods, or strikes involving railroad property.
  • Patrol railroad yards, cars, stations, or other facilities to protect company property or shipments and to maintain order.

Technology Skills

  • Spreadsheet software
    • Microsoft Excel
  • Presentation software
    • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Data base user interface and query software
    • Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
    • Law enforcement information databases
    • National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
  • Map creation software
    • Crime mapping software
    • MapInfo Professional
    • MapInfo StreetPro
  • Electronic mail software
    • Microsoft Outlook

Knowledge

  • Public Safety and Security

    Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

  • Law and Government

    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

  • English Language

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

  • Transportation

    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Skills

  • Active Listening

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Critical Thinking

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Complex Problem Solving

    Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

  • Monitoring

    Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Abilities

  • Problem Sensitivity

    The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

  • Oral Comprehension

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Oral Expression

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Inductive Reasoning

    The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

  • Speech Clarity

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

  • Bachelor's degree
    28 %
  • Some college, no degree
    26 %
  • High school diploma or equivalent
    21 %

    or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

Work Activities

  • Documenting/Recording Information

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems

    Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

    Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

    Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

    Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Prepare investigation or incident reports.
  • Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments.
  • Apprehend criminal suspects.
  • Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to respond to incidents.
  • Direct law enforcement activities.

Work Interests

  • Realistic

    Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

  • Conventional

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$52550.0 - $108090.0

New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average

Assessment

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