N.Y. - D.C. Trains Boost Security

(AP)  In the latest in a series of security measures taken since the London bombing cases, the New York Police Department has teamed with other East Coast forces to beef up protection of passenger trains traveling between New York and Washington.

The increased security on national train service Amtrak, which began Monday, involves police officers from New Jersey, Philadelphia, Maryland, Washington and other jurisdictions.

The state and local officers will help Amtrak's own police force patrol train platforms and watch for suspicious activity and packages on trains and tracks along the entire route throughout the week, NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said Monday.

Police have no information about a specific threat against the most heavily traveled route in the Amtrak system. However, in assessing security risks after mass transit was targeted in London, police officials were concerned that a route involving "two high profile cities" might be a target, and that the Amtrak police did not have the manpower to properly protect it, Browne said.

The police officials from the various departments and agencies gathered at New York police headquarters last week to coordinate the effort, which will include use of bomb-sniffing dogs and police helicopters.

"It seemed to be a precaution that needed to be taken," Browne said, adding that the departments hope to cover the cost with federal funding.


By TOM HAYS