Hi, I am currently running another thread on the forum about the relations between railroad enthusiasts and employees after the 9/11 incident. I recieved data a few years back that it was possible that this relationship between the two parties was growing distant. The pattern that I was seeing in all of this is that there was a great deal more security involving national infrastructure. This seemed to be spurred on by the Department Of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Agency. Both of which I know can exert enormous pressure, sometimes completely overwhelming pressure. One way or another I will keep my opinion on both out of this since it has no bearing on what I am writing. I am writing an article on this issue and also trying to find some new and inventive ways to keep both railfans and railroaders happy and comfortable.
The question I wanted to ask of security and indeed law enforcement is:
1) Am I correct in assuming that the extra security is a result of 9/11 and pressure from the DHS / TSA?
2) What are security personnel looking for in a situation or person when they find themselves having to investigate? (besides the obvious, AKA trespassing, meddling with equipment and the like) By knowing this railfans can relay that they are not a threat from a distance.
3) Most railfans want to stay on good terms with railroad personnel. How would you prefer to be treated? What makes you comfortable with the situation?
4) Would it be appropriate to inform concerned parties (security and such) where you will be and what you will be doing even if the photography is being done from a public location?
5) Have you seen a swing in the relations between rail enthusiasts and railroad employees as of late?
I appreciate any information that you can give and thank you in advance. I have been a railroad enthusiast from the time I learned to walk and find it to be one of the most enjoyable pursuits in existence. Because of that I would love to make sure that people are informed how not to be at odds with the companies that they love.
Again, thank you.
The question I wanted to ask of security and indeed law enforcement is:
1) Am I correct in assuming that the extra security is a result of 9/11 and pressure from the DHS / TSA?
2) What are security personnel looking for in a situation or person when they find themselves having to investigate? (besides the obvious, AKA trespassing, meddling with equipment and the like) By knowing this railfans can relay that they are not a threat from a distance.
3) Most railfans want to stay on good terms with railroad personnel. How would you prefer to be treated? What makes you comfortable with the situation?
4) Would it be appropriate to inform concerned parties (security and such) where you will be and what you will be doing even if the photography is being done from a public location?
5) Have you seen a swing in the relations between rail enthusiasts and railroad employees as of late?
I appreciate any information that you can give and thank you in advance. I have been a railroad enthusiast from the time I learned to walk and find it to be one of the most enjoyable pursuits in existence. Because of that I would love to make sure that people are informed how not to be at odds with the companies that they love.
Again, thank you.
