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Bomb Dogs Will Ride Amtrak

Security stepped up on nation's rail system

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 19, 2008 5:33 AM CST

(Newser) – Amtrak is stepping up security, with random screening of carry-on bags and security teams packing machine guns and leading bomb-sniffing dogs patrolling platforms and trains, reports AP. The new system, beginning this week, echoes stricter security procedures at the nation's airports. Amtrak insists there should be no additional departure delays .

"We're very conscious commuters have minutes to go from train to train," said Amtrak's chief. There has been no specific threat against Amtrak but terrorists have targeted trains in London, Madrid and India. "There is no new or different specific threat, this is just the correct step to take," said the Amtrak official.

Amtrak police officer Joe Zawacki demonstrates a search for explosives with a dog on an Amtrak train as part of a demonstration of new security sweeps at Union Station in Washington on Friday, Feb. 15, 2008. Amtrak passengers will have to submit their carry-on bags to random screening in a...
Amtrak police officer Joe Zawacki demonstrates a search for explosives with a dog on an Amtrak train as part of a demonstration of new security sweeps at Union Station in Washington on Friday, Feb. 15,...   (Associated Press)
Amtrak police officer Charles Stefanowicz swabs a bag to analyze it for explosive particles as part of a demonstration of new security sweeps that will effective this week at Union Station, in Washington on Friday, Feb. 15, 2008. Amtrak passengers will have to submit their carry-on bags to random screening...
Amtrak police officer Charles Stefanowicz swabs a bag to analyze it for explosive particles as part of a demonstration of new security sweeps that will effective this week at Union Station, in Washington...   (Associated Press)
Amtrak police officers Douglas Davison, left, and Keith Goerz, demonstrate the equipment they will carry as part of new security sweeps that will be effective this week at Union Station, in Washington on Friday, Feb. 15, 2008. Amtrak passengers will have to submit their carry-on bags to random screening in...
Amtrak police officers Douglas Davison, left, and Keith Goerz, demonstrate the equipment they will carry as part of new security sweeps that will be effective this week at Union Station, in Washington...   (Associated Press)
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