Metra Police handle a variety of tasks ranging from civilian complaints to criminal activity. 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. In January 2014, an investigative report by the Chicago-based security consulting firm Hillard Heintze blasted the department as being "antiquated"[3] and beset with excessive overtime and staffing problems. The Metra Police Department was created at that time. Metra later stopped all UP-W trains to allow for a police response. A tweet from Metra just before 1 a.m. indicated the outbound Chicago train has terminated at Lake Cook Road. Current Illinois certified officers enter field training immediately upon hire. The unit has ridden more than 7,000 trains this year already, twice as many as the year before. The new south region headquarters was moved to a stand-alone facility, a rehabbed 102-year-old building in Blue Island named after Thomas Cook, a Metra officer who died in the line of duty. Most frequently, though, train crews must deal with delays in the spur of the moment. App users can send photos, six second video, text descriptions, and locations of suspicious people or activities. To reserve the room, please call 571-258-3000. The Metra Police Department is a professional force of more than 140 sworn officers and civilian support staff who are responsible for the security of Metra passengers, employees, equipment, yards, stations and other Metra property. Perez came to Metra as a decorated 28-year veteran of the Illinois State Police Department. Loudoun County Sheriff's Office 803 Sycolin Road SE Leesburg, VA 20175 Phone: 703-777-0407 Fax: 703-771-5744 Mailing Address P.O. Here's What We Know So Far, 25-Year-Old Makes $200/Hour Without a Bachelor's Degree: I Work Less Than 6 Hours a Day', Man Injured While Trying to Stop Shoplifter at Loop Target Store, 4 Midwest Schools, Including 1 in Illinois Make List of Most Beautiful College Campuses', Exclusive: Trinity Fatu, Formerly WWE's Naomi, Talks Making Surprise Return with IMPACT Wrestling in Chicago. Because of the six counties of police operation, tickets and criminal complaints are booked into many different courts. We often receive questions about service disruptions as they are happening and as follow-ups the next day. Officer Cook was 43.[6]. A Metra maintenance facility on the Far South Side was evacuated Friday as police investigated a possible bomb threat. 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. The Metra Police Command Staff is active in creating regional partnerships throughout our service area. Police said shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday a Metra Electric Line train pulled into the downtown station. He was seen Thursday afternoon with a silver rifle around 2: . 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 service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. This year Metra entered into two agreements with Cook County that will allow the department to put more officers in the field and operate more effectively and efficiently. Because the track inspector must drive to the scene, traffic will slow him or her down, especially during rush hours. From the home screen, users have two easy options for contacting the . Safety is an important part of this function, and preventing accidents and injuries are a focus of the department. According to the agency, the . He updated the police policies and procedures manual, and made an electronic version that can be accessed by officers anywhere. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. The report two years later contained a laundry list of recommendations, and Metra hired Joseph Perez as its new chief to lead their adoption. The train, which departed Chicago on the Milwaukee District North Line at 9:45 p.m., was originally "operating 115 minutes behind schedule due to police activity" according to a notice on the Metra website. 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. Police said the suspect originally boarded the train at the 147th Street station in Harvey. In some situations, well try to provide riders with a certain range of delay times. After it stopped the suspect, who was a passenger on the train, pulled out a black. "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.". At 2:07 p.m. as an inbound Metra Electric train pulled into the Van Buren. 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. One person involved in the incident . The squad has ridden more than 7,000 trains this year already, twice as many as the year before. 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. Interested in joining the Metra Police Department? 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. We offer the officer entrance exam on an as-needed basis. After the September 11 attacks in 2001, the Metra Police Department increased its effort in anti-terrorism concerns. Downdetector only reports an incident when the number of problem reports is significantly higher than . The RTA Act states that these police departments have the authority of municipal police officers. The Metra Police Department is responsible for the safety and security of the second largest commuter railroad system in the . Metra Police routinely assist local, county and state agencies in non Metra related matters. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. North Shore Senior Center Encourages: You Don't Have to Do Life Alone. Officers now wear new uniforms and drive new police cars with a different paint scheme that reflects a reformed force. 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. 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. 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. 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. One person involved in the incident is dead, Courtney Gousman of WGN reported on Twitter Saturday morning. Metra trains headed into and out of Chicago were stopped and thousands of passengers delayed as police investigated reports of a suspicious man with a gun who may or may not have gotten on one. 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. Trains on Metra's North Central line were delayed for over an hour in both directions Monday morning due to the police. The Metrorail system has six color-coded rail lines: Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow . Wednesday morning, Metra police said that a suspect was arrested in Calumet City and charges are pending. "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. Even the Metra police patch was redesigned: it now has six stars to represent the six counties Metra serves. We offer the officer entrance exam on an as-needed basis. About this app. These issues are timeless. Trains were moving again by around 9:15 a.m. with 15-30 minute delays. Metra police have learned during their investigation that the man got on the train at the 147th Street station in Harvey. Metras GPS Center is our central alerts communications hub responsible for sending out emails, website updates, Twitter alerts and platform and onboard announcements to our riders. Metra works to provide updates regarding any service changes on a variety of channels for our customers. In-service training for all officers includes firearm and Taser recertification, defensive tactics, rapid deployment and use of force decision making training using an interactive simulator outfitted with laser enhanced training weapons. Current Illinois certified officers enter field training immediately upon hire. The CTA first announced that Green Line trains were . Detailed information can be found on our website under the Service Alerts section on themetrarail.comhomepage for each rail line and for systemwide alerts. A full-time detective division (including internal investigations) and a new train riding unit were created, whose primary duty is to patrol trains. However, the exact length of most delays will be unknown. 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. Metra officials did not release any further information. Its that drop-your-head-back-and-stare-at-the-ceiling feeling that makes you wonder why this still happens in this era where subterranean express tunnels and passenger trips to space seem possible. Check the Metra Rail careers site, located here,for any available career opportunities. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. All Rights Reserved. Metrorail provides safe, clean, reliable transit service for more than 600,000 customers a day throughout the Washington, DC area. All of these factors, both anticipated and unexpected, contribute to delays experienced on board any train system, including Metra. Various witness reports have indicated as many as three people were shot. 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. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For urgent Safety or security concerns, contact the Metra Police Department at (312) 322.2800 or via the Metra Cops mobile phone app. 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. Metra Alert UP-W - Train #61 departing Ogilvie Transportation Center at 6:20 PM - on the move 45 to 50 minutes delayed due to earlier police activity. [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. Around 8:45 a.m., Metra's website. The department has also been trying to foster even better relationships with all the municipal departments in the six-county area. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. Sworn Police Officers: 110. They have been equipped with Tasers (which have reduced injuries to police and arrestees) and body cameras. 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. Upon graduation, the new officers must complete a rigorous Field Training Program and an eighteen-month probationary period. The free app is available for Apple users in the App Store or Android users in Google Play. CHICAGO - CTA Green Line and Metra UP-W trains have been disrupted Wednesday due to police activity at Harlem. 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. An employee reported a "suspicious package" at the Kensington Yard District facility, at 12231 S Indiana Ave., Metra officials said. 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. 2023 Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transportation Authority, Metra Police Department serves and protects, The Metra Police Department is a professional force of more than 140, sworn officers and civilian support staff. When the RTA reorganized in 1983, Metra was created. 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. In-service training for all officers includes firearm and Taser recertification, defensive tactics, rapid deployment and use of force decision making training using an interactive simulator outfitted with laser enhanced training weapons. 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. 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. Metra instituted an open, fair and transparent police recruitment, testing and interview process that was used for the first time to hire 23 new officers. That simple sentence, which begins the Metra Police Department's 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. Though trains are operated safely, the consequence of these deferments is less reliable service and less comfortable rides. 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. Box 7200, Leesburg, VA 20177 The 114-page report sketched an alarming portrait of law enforcement standards on the Metra system. He brought in police veterans from outside Metra and promoted some from within to create a command team with wide and diverse experience. All rights reserved, How Much Could You Get in New $725M Facebook Settlement? 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. 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. Email us at, 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. CHICAGO Metra has introduced a smartphone app to allow customers to quickly report crimes, suspicious activity, and other safety or security concerns. Successful candidates hired as recruits are sent to the Police Academy. In 1974, the Illinois State Legislature created the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Police said there is no indication of foul play in the teen's death. 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. Even the Metra police patch was redesigned: it now has six stars to represent the six counties Metra serves. When you are stuck on a train that is halted, it can be incredibly frustrating not knowing how long you will be there. CBS 2 Investigators Community Journalism CHICAGO - CTA Green Line and Metra UP-W trains have been disrupted Wednesday due to "police activity" at Harlem. Apr 8. After the incident, passengers were reportedly evacuated from the station to the Home Depot nearby. The system is the second busiest in the United States, serving 97 stations in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. 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. 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. The jurisdiction of the Metra Police extends well past the property owned or leased by Metra. He was slain in his patrol car by a suspect with a firearm. Metra Police handle a variety of tasks ranging from civilian complaints to criminal activity. Palatine, IL crime, fire and public safety news and events, police & fire department updates 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. The process resulted in a group of new hires who come from diverse backgrounds and better match Metras customer base. Making additional stops at Wheaton, Winfield, West Chicago, La fox. 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 . By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. RTA Travel Information Center DEERFIELD, IL - A suspect was apprehended at the Deerfield Metra station late Friday night after a pursuit that included an exchange of gunfire with members of the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force. All involved in restoring service work as quickly as possible to get trains moving again safely. Oak Park police could not be reached for details Wednesday. 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. 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 police task force involved in the pursuit is handling the case. Metra Police routinely assist local, county and state agencies in non Metra related matters. 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. Delays are likely due to that stoppage, the agency said. 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. 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. 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. One Metra officer has died in the line of duty. The Homeland Security Unit (formally Special Operations Unit) concentrates on protecting passengers and Metra terminals throughout the system. In 2008, the department began using a computer-aided dispatch system and new electronic report writing system. 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. Here's What Deerfield Moms Really Want For Mother's Day. Check the Metra Rail careers site, located here, for any available career opportunities. Recruits are sent to the State Police Academy in Springfield. For other public safety concerns, contact Metra Safety at (312) 322.7233 or email safetyreporting@metrarr.com. Metra Police dispatchers can respond to the customer through the app, send out advisories and broadcast "Be on the Lookout" alerts to app users. Please enable JavaScript on your browser and try again. Weve made significant, impressive progress in the last two years, said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. Though we communicate with our freight partners throughout a disruption, it is ultimately the freight companys crews who resolve the issue and determine how long it takes. Many variables can disrupt normal operations, making it very difficult to completely avoid delays of some kind. 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. 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. 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 . Upon graduation, the new officers must complete a rigorous Field Training Program and an eighteen-month probationary period. When Metra learns of potential disruptions, such as a winter storm or a major planned event, employees across many departments prepare for any issue that may arise. It is common for some problems to be reported throughout the day. who are responsible for the security of Metra passengers, employees, equipment, yards, stations and otherMetra property. As a general rule, court cases are assigned in the nearest court, in the county of arrest. Metra Police handle a variety of tasks ranging from civilian complaints to criminal activity. Gousman reported that trains in both directions were moving again early on Saturday. 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.. While every situation is different, we provided our riders with a look at what typically occurs during the most common service disruptionson this webpage. 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. Metra police arrested a suspect they said robbed a Metra Electric conductor at gunpoint at the Van Buren Street station in Chicago. 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 these situations, train movement cannot resume until all required entities arrive and complete their duties. Metras Police Department looks to hire energetic, self-motivated individuals who are ready for the challenges this kind of work has to offer. When Metra learns of potential disruptions, such as a winter storm or a major planned event, employees across many departments prepare for any issue that may arise. 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. Anyone with information is asked to call Metra police at (312) 322-2999. Even the Metra police patch was redesigned: it now has six stars to represent the six counties Metra serves.
metra police activity