metra police activity

A Metra maintenance facility on the Far South Side was evacuated Friday as police investigated a possible bomb threat. Officers have been assigned to the Chicago Police Fusion Center (CPIC), and the Illinois State Police Statewide Terrorism Information Center (STIC). Though trains are operated safely, the consequence of these deferments is less reliable service and less comfortable rides. Many variables can disrupt normal operations, making it very difficult to completely avoid delays of some kind. The Metra Police Department is a professional force of more than 140sworn officers and civilian support staffwho are responsible for the security of Metra passengers, employees, equipment, yards, stations and otherMetra property. Officers responded to a home in the 500 West block of Bevan Drive around 4 a.m. for a welfare check following a 911 call. Check back here for updates as they come in. Metra Alert ME - Train #826, scheduled to arrive Millennium Station at 6:49 PM, is on the move and may be 45 to 50 minutes behind schedule - earlier police activity and track construction. Many times enforcing traffic laws around Metra stations and crossings is intended to increase awareness and citizen compliance. Several career paths are available within the agency, and in-house training and certification are provided on a regular basis to assure the protection of Metras officers, customers, employees, and property. In the second, the Cook County Sheriff agreed to provide 24-hour dispatching service to Metra for 911 calls, which put trained telephone communicators on the other end of the line and allowed nine police officers to return to police duties in the field. Even the Metra police patch was redesigned: it now has six stars to represent the six counties Metra serves. Metra says the Metra COPS app "is meant for the reporting of safety and security issues on Metra trains and facilities, such as a crime in progress, disruptive or aggressive behavior . For example, we cannot predict how long a mechanical failure will take to resolveif it is resolvable on sitebecause it will depend on what failed and what parts and staff are needed to repair it. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Metrorail provides safe, clean, reliable transit service for more than 600,000 customers a day throughout the Washington, DC area. Metra's COPS smartphone app is a new way that our customers can quickly and discreetly report crimes, suspicious activity and other safety or security concerns to Metra Police from a train or station. They have been equipped with Tasers (which have reduced injuries to police and arrestees) and body cameras. The primary mission of the Metra Police Department shall be to safeguard the lives of Metra commuters, its employees and those who use the Metra rail system.. Metras efforts to reform and modernize the department began in October 2012, when it hired a consultant to perform an assessment of the departments operations and capabilities and provide assistance in adopting best practices in railroad public safety. Even the Metra police patch was redesigned: it now has six stars to represent the six counties Metra serves. Box 7200, Leesburg, VA 20177 He had most recently served as the commander of the State Police Region 1, where he oversaw complex law enforcement activities and nearly 800 sworn officers and civilians in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and DeKalb counties. On September 27, 2006, Metra Officer Thomas A. Cook was killed in the line of duty[6] while working a robbery prevention detail near the 147th Street (Sibley Boulevard) station in Harvey, Illinois. . heck the Metra Rail careers site, located, Moving Tickets from One Device to Another, Using Pre-Tax Transit Benefits in the App, System Map for Customers with Disabilities, Emergency Preparedness and Public Awareness, Chicago Union Station Service Disruption Plan, Create or Log in to My Metra for Business Account, Office of Diversity & Business Enterprise, Performance, Budget & Planning Information. Applying to the Metra Police Department involves an Officer Entrance Exam, police officer wellness test (PFIT) as mandated by the State of Illinois, personal interviews, background screening, medical evaluation, and psychological screening. Safety is an important part of this function, and preventing accidents and injuries are a focus of the department. Metra Police officers regularly participate in the Chicago Police CAPS program. The main focus of department is the six-county transit operation, however due to the great distances between rail lines, off-property arrests occur on a regular basis. Every day, employees in the mechanical shops, train yards,and signal, engineering,and transportation departments make sure Metra operates safely and efficiently. He instituted regular training on criminal and traffic law, accident reconstruction, firearms and even a 12-week field training program on all things Metra, including its train operations, procedures, geography and customer service. We understand why: service disruptions add extra stress to an already long work day, interrupt scheduled plans and precious time with family members and they are especially frustrating when our riders dont know what is going on. The Metra Police Department actively liaisons with the city and state fusion centers, local, state, and federal law enforcement, and has officers embedded in the Chicago FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. Our train riding unit is seeing less and less bad behavior on trains, less and less bad behavior on platforms, because of the visibility provided by that unit, and also our focus on passenger safety, Perez said. For other public safety concerns, contact Metra Safety at (312) 322.7233 or email safetyreporting@metrarr.com. [4] It detailed myriad concerns about the agency's training, counter terrorism efforts and commitment to passenger safety. Metra Police dispatchers can respond to the customer through the app, send out advisories and broadcast "Be on the Lookout" alerts to app users. This chart shows a view of problem reports submitted in the past 24 hours compared to the typical volume of reports by time of day. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police said they are seeking to identify a suspect who was seen carrying a gun near a downtown Metra station. For the first time ever, the department has a clearly defined mission and it has been making numerous changes and adopting a variety of reforms in the furtherance of that mission. The primary mission of the Metra Police Department shall be to safeguard the lives of Metra commuters, its employees and those who use the Metra rail system. That simple sentence, which begins the Metra Police Departments new mission statement, represents a significant transformation within the 115-person department, which is made up of fully sworn police officers, just like any municipal police department. www.masstransitmag.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Email us at joinmetrapolice@metrarr.com. Similarly, if a freight train is blocking tracks or a crossing, it is the freight companys responsibility to get its equipment back on the move. Officers now wear new uniforms and drive new police cars with a different paint scheme that reflects a reformed force. In partnership with federal, state and local agencies, Metra participates in various training exercises to promote awareness, to prevent incidents and enhance training for effective response. They have been issued laptops for field reporting and are using new software to write police reports all in an effort to adopt the best police practices in the country. The Metra COPS Safety and Security App offers riders a quick and discreet method for reporting safety and security concerns directly to the police. The Metra Police Department also deploys a Homeland Security Unit comprised of specially trained officers in Special Operations, Train Riding and K9 Explosive Detection Teams. According to the report, the department averages less than one arrest per day. Weve made significant, impressive progress in the last two years, said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. According to the agency, the Chicago Police Department requested trains be stopped around 91st Street due to police activity, but did not elaborate on the scale or subject of the investigation. Metra police officers are fully sworn officers just like the officers of any municipal police department, responsible for the safety and security of the Metra system in a six-county service area Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, McHenry and Lake counties. All Metra Electric trains were stopped for approximately 30 minutes in both directions at 91 st Street due to police activity, the agency announced on social media.. All rights reserved, How Much Could You Get in New $725M Facebook Settlement? Metra riders can now download the COPS app that allows users to discreetly report security concerns to police from the train or station. He or she can be delayed if they are concluding a prior investigation, caught up in traffic or simply traveling a long distance. Regular training on criminal and traffic law, accident reconstruction, firearms and even a 12-week field training program on all things Metra, including its train operations, procedures, geography and customer service were instituted. He updated the police policies and procedures manual and made an electronic version that can be accessed by officers anywhere. They have been issued laptops for field reporting and are using new software to write police reports all in an effort to adopt the best police practices in the country. Guided by his police experience and the consultant report, Perez brought in police veterans from outside Metra and promoted some from within to create a command team with wide and diverse experience. [2] The primary function of the Metra Police Department is to protect Metra passengers, employees, assets (trains and stations), enforce criminal laws, traffic laws and ordinances that directly or indirectly relate to the Metra system. Shuttle buses have been dispatched to make up for the disruption, the CTA said. Check the Metra Rail careers site, located here, for any available career opportunities. The unit has ridden more than 7,000 trains this year already, twice as many as the year before. The system is the second busiest in the United States, serving 97 stations in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Oak Park police could not be reached for details Wednesday. Here's What Deerfield Moms Really Want For Mother's Day. www.masstransitmag.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Officer Cook was 43.[6]. Perez and his team also created a full-time detective division (including internal investigations) and a new police squad whose primary duty is to patrol trains. Another source said members of the police task force were tracking a suspect in a south suburban crime case when a shoot out began. The unit has ridden more than 7,000 trains this year already, twice as many as the year before. [5] Perez was selected from a field of 12 candidates after 68 applied for the job. The Homeland Security Unit (formally Special Operations Unit) concentrates on protecting passengers and Metra terminals throughout the system. Successful candidates hired as recruits are sent to the Police Academy. As a result, it has become a much more professionally run, modern, efficient and effective police force. who are responsible for the security of Metra passengers, employees, equipment, yards, stations and otherMetra property. It is common for some problems to be reported throughout the day. Metra works to provide updates regarding any service changes on a variety of channels for our customers. Metro Area: Chicago - Live Audio Feeds To listen to a feed using the online player, choose "Web Player" as the player selection and click the play icon for the appropriate feed. They have been issued laptops for field reporting and are using new software to write police reports all in an effort to adopt the best police practices in the country. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Apr 8. After the September 11 attacks in 2001, the Metra Police Department increased its effort in anti-terrorism concerns. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Our train riding unit is seeing less and less bad behavior on trains, less and less bad behavior on platforms, because of the visibility provided by that unit, and also our focus on passenger safety, Perez said. One person involved in the incident is dead, Courtney Gousman of WGN reported on Twitter Saturday morning. We offer the officer entrance exam on an as-needed basis. For urgent Safety or security concerns, contact the Metra Police Department at (312) 322.2800 or via the Metra Cops mobile phone app. In 2008, the department began using a computer-aided dispatch system and new electronic report writing system. Metra. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Metra police arrested a suspect after a conductor was robbed at the Van Buren Street station in Chicago. The Metra Rail System is an approximately 500-mile system which moves more than 90 million Chicagoland passengers annually thru 242 stations and 11 lines and operates as part of the single most important railroad hub in North America. www.masstransitmag.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Metra also bought an interactive simulator almost like a giant video game to conduct scenario-based training on use of force, de-escalation and other decision-making areas. He brought in police veterans from outside Metra and promoted some from within to create a command team with wide and diverse experience. The Ashburn Station service area has a population of 102,896 residents as of 2021, second only to the Dulles South Station in population. Metra Police work in cooperation with local authorities to reduce or attempt to prevent hazardous conditions or blatant violations of the law which result in an unsafe condition. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Weve all been there: being stuck in the middle of a service disruption can feel like the whole world is working against you. An employee reported a "suspicious package" at the Kensington Yard District facility, at 12231 S Indiana Ave., Metra officials said. Most frequently, though, train crews must deal with delays in the spur of the moment. The Metra Police Department was created at that time. Perez came to Metra as a decorated 28-year veteran of the Illinois State Police Department. OAK PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- Metra service on Union Pacific-West line was briefly disrupted Thursday morning due to police activity in west suburban Oak Park. The Northeast Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation (D/B/A Metra) is now accepting applications for the position of police officer with the Metra Police Department. According to the agency, the . Because of the six counties of police operation, tickets and criminal complaints are booked into many different courts. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Mayor Lori Lightfoot to Texas Governor: 'Stop the inhumane, dangerous bussing of migrants to Chicago', Two people injured in fire in Wrigleyville high rise, Fenwick Friars pitcher Talia Lorenzo celebrates 400 career strikeouts, Naperville's new mayor Scott Wehrli sworn in, Naperville police responding to report of shots fired find man who was beaten up. App users can send photos, six second video, text descriptions, and locations of suspicious people or activities. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. This process is automatic. Making additional stops at Wheaton, Winfield, West Chicago, La fox. The report two years later contained a laundry list of recommendations, and Metra hired Joseph Perez as its new chief to lead their adoption. After it stopped the suspect, who was a passenger on the train, pulled out a black semi-automatic handgun and announced a robbery, according to police. The Metra Police Command Staff is active in creating regional partnerships throughout our service area. Metras efforts to reform and modernize the department began in October 2012, when it hired a consultant to perform an assessment of the departments operations and capabilities and provide assistance in adopting best practices in railroad public safety. As of 5:50 p.m., CPD has given an all clear for train traffic to resume, but a pair of trains, including a 6 p.m. train out of Millennium Station, were canceled as a result of the stoppage. The Metra Police Department was created to protect the eleven rail lines and 242 stations in metropolitan Chicago's commuter rail system, Metra. To reserve the room, please call 571-258-3000. (You can read more about thathere). Police said the suspect originally boarded the train at the 147th Street station in Harvey. Metra Police regularly participate in Chicago Office of Emergency Communications (OEMC) planning meetings for large events. Police said there is no indication of foul play in the teen's death. Authorities continue search for Texas man suspected of killing 5, Mom warns others after son severely burned from social media challenge, NW Side restaurant burglarized 4 times in 5 weeks, owners say: VIDEO. The report two years later contained a laundry list of recommendations, and Metra hired Joseph Perez as its new chief to lead their adoption. A professional police force of more than 100 sworn officers, the Metra Police Department is responsible Metra Police handle a variety of tasks ranging from civilian complaints to criminal activity. Even the Metra police patch was redesigned: it now has six stars to represent the six counties Metra serves. CBS 2 Investigators Community Journalism This is a developing story. The Metra . Were confident that the improvements weve made have left our Police Department much better prepared and equipped for the challenges of modern-day policing., 2023 Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transportation Authority, Metra Police Department serves and protects, Moving Tickets from One Device to Another, Using Pre-Tax Transit Benefits in the App, System Map for Customers with Disabilities, Emergency Preparedness and Public Awareness, Chicago Union Station Service Disruption Plan, Create or Log in to My Metra for Business Account, Office of Diversity & Business Enterprise, Performance, Budget & Planning Information. Fox Lake-bound Metra Train 2155 was stopped at the station at Lake Cook Road as a result of the police activity, Metra spokeswoman Meg Thomas-Reile told Patch. CHICAGO - CTA Green Line and Metra UP-W trains have been disrupted Wednesday due to "police activity" at Harlem. Guided by his police experience and the consultant report, Perez brought in police veterans from outside Metra and promoted some from within to create a command team with wide and diverse experience. When they arrived, the owner of the home said Alvarez was an acquaintance . They were issued laptops for field reporting and are using new software to write police reports all in an effort to adopt the best police practices in the country. The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. In May 2014, Joseph Perez was appointed Chief of the Metra Police Department. At 2:07 p.m. as an inbound Metra Electric train pulled into the Van Buren. Metras efforts to reform and modernize the department began in October 2012, when it hired a consultant to perform an assessment of the departments operations and capabilities and provide assistance in adopting best practices in railroad public safety. The 114-page report sketched an alarming portrait of law enforcement standards on the Metra system. We are looking for ECE qualified teachers and teachers assistants. Sun-Times Media Wire. In some situations, well try to provide riders with a certain range of delay times. Interested in joining the Metra Police Department? CHICAGO Metra has introduced a smartphone app to allow customers to quickly report crimes, suspicious activity, and other safety or security concerns. These issues are timeless. Metra officials did not release any further information. He was seen Thursday afternoon with a silver rifle around 2: . Officers now wear new uniforms and drive new police cars with a different paint scheme that reflects a reformed force. Officers now wear new uniforms and drive new police cars with a different paint scheme that reflects a reformed force. We offer the officer entrance exam on an as-needed basis. A full-time detective division (including internal investigations) and a new train riding unit were created, whose primary duty is to patrol trains. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. In these situations, train movement cannot resume until all required entities arrive and complete their duties. Metra Police handle a variety of tasks ranging from civilian complaints to criminal activity. Several career paths are available within the agency, and in-house training and certification are provided on a regular basis to assure the protection of Metras officers, customers, employees, and property. Wednesday morning, Metra police said that a suspect was arrested in Calumet City and charges are pending. Police said shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday a Metra Electric Line train pulled into the downtown station. Around 8:45 a.m., Metra's website. The CTA first announced that Green Line trains were standing due to an unauthorized person on the tracks at Harlem about 4:15 p.m., and suspended service between Harlem and Laramie about 5:35 p.m. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. For example, if a truck strikes a railroad bridge or a vehicle was stuck on the tracks, a track inspector is required to report to the scene and make sure the rails are safe to operate over. Metra later stopped all UP-W trains to allow for a police response. Various witness reports have indicated as many as three people were shot. The squad has ridden more than 7,000 trains this year already, twice as many as the year before. However, as in all systems with complex, moving parts, issues can arise at any time, even in the middle of a scheduled trip. Events out of our controlsuch as extreme weather, fallen trees, fires adjacent to our tracks, and police activity on or near our trackscannot be predicted, but can affect your commute. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. The primary function of the Police Department is deterring crime, stopping crimes in progress, investigating crimes, and serving as first responders for emergencies and situations that threaten . Metras Police Department looks to hire energetic, self-motivated individuals who are ready for the challenges this kind of work has to offer. He was slain in his patrol car by a suspect with a firearm. Anyone with information is asked to call Metra police at (312) 322-2999. This is primarily because each situation is unique. The Metra Police Department actively liaisons with the city and state fusion centers, local, state, and federal law enforcement, and has officers embedded in the Chicago FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. The Metrorail system has six color-coded rail lines: Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow . The free app is available for Apple users in the App Store or Android users in Google Play. About this app. RTA Travel Information Center However, the exact length of most delays will be unknown. All Metra police officers are fully certified police officers. Starting Salary: $44,936. They have been equipped with Tasers (which have reduced injuries to police and arrestees) and next year will be fitted with body cameras. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office holds quarterly public safety . A full-time detective division (including internal investigations) and a new train riding unit were created, whose primary duty is to patrol trains. Metra outages reported in the last 24 hours. Successful candidates hired as recruits are sent to the Police Academy. "The primary mission of the Metra Police Department shall be to safeguard the lives of Metra commuters, its employees and those who use the Metra rail system.". In partnership with federal, state and local agencies, Metra participates in various training exercises to promote awareness, to prevent incidents and enhance training for effective response. Metra police have learned during their investigation that the man got on the train at the 147th Street station in Harvey. Trains were moving again by around 9:15 a.m. with 15-30 minute delays. Detailed information can be found on our website under the Service Alerts section on themetrarail.comhomepage for each rail line and for systemwide alerts. He updated the police policies and procedures manual and made an electronic version that can be accessed by officers anywhere. Metra Police routinely assist local, county and state agencies in non Metra related matters. Fox Lake-bound Metra Train 2155 was stopped at the station at Lake Cook Road as a result of the police activity, Metra spokeswoman Meg Thomas-Reile told Patch. The suspect stole the conductor's cash and fled on foot into the station. Upon graduation, the new officers must complete a rigorous Field Training Program and an eighteen-month probationary period. The CTA first announced that Green Line trains were . "New report finds Metra police force 'antiquated', "Report calls Metra police force 'antiquated', https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Metra_Police_Department&oldid=1085155783, Transit police departments of the United States, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 April 2022, at 19:22. The process resulted in a group of new hires who come from diverse backgrounds and better match Metras customer base. Around 8:45 a.m., Metra's website said trains were stopped in both directions near Oak Park Avenue because of police activity in the area. We often receive questions about service disruptions as they are happening and as follow-ups the next day. From the home screen, users have two easy options for contacting the . Metra Police officers currently staff and operate an in-house dispatch center to monitor police activity on Metra property and communicate with local municipalities or Metra officers in the event . Police Public Safety March 29, 2023 Naperville Police to Increase Distracted Driving Enforcement Efforts in April Naperville Police will join other law enforcement agencies in a statewide effort to step up distracted driving enforcement this April in recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month. 2023 Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transportation Authority, Moving Tickets from One Device to Another, Using Pre-Tax Transit Benefits in the App, System Map for Customers with Disabilities, Emergency Preparedness and Public Awareness, Chicago Union Station Service Disruption Plan, Create or Log in to My Metra for Business Account, Office of Diversity & Business Enterprise, Performance, Budget & Planning Information.
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