I was just wondering if there are any railroad cops on the forum… I saw that BNSF is hiring in Cicero, Illinois. Just wondering how you guys like your job and what some of your perks/benefits might be like.
I work for a department in the suburbs of Chicago and we are really taken care of (ie… salary, benefits, and state pension).
From time to time I see a few RR cops in surrounding neighborhoods with take home cars, is this pretty common for RR police? Are you authorized by your department to carry of duty? How are you treated by other municipal/government agencies?
But my friend is a conductor for Canadian Pacific and when he was getting trained, the instructor said whenever he saw a railfan, he wanted to go and puch them in the mouth[banghead]
Based on what little I have seen of the railroad PD, you should not have a problem getting on. You are certified in state.
They don’t usually drive marked units- I have seen a couple on tracks running trucks… I don’t think they have take home priveleges- but I suspect that changes from department to department.
Pay, etc… I’d love to hear whatever they have to say. You might check out the BNSF web site.
For you guys who make it a hobby, if I could offer my good advice, I’d say, "Take a buddy (or two) along, just incase you were assaulted by a RR employee. You would have marks and a witness (or two) to back up your story. If you’re behavior is unruly, violent, and/or blatantly poses a serious danger to others, yes, you could be asking for a good beating. But nobody has a right to hit you otherwise, railfan or not. Trespassing is not a violent crime. To be met with violence is excessive force in my book.
New York wants to pass a bill making trespassing on railroad property a felony. Railfanning can be a dangerous hobby, even if the person is experienced and doing everything right. The railroads know this and are deeply concerned.
I guess I must live in a freindly part of the country. Get this, the last time my wife and I visited the BNSF Yard in Lubbock,Tx. the engineer of a departing train got out and offered us a pack of cold water bottles. One of the most considerant engineers I’ve ever met, the temp. was about 96F.
I have no ill will toward foamers. I do however have the nearly uncontrollable urge to hang my rosey white butt out the window and moon one of you-all…just think it would be funny (ASSuming no kids were present).
There are more special agents now than before. They have been carrying for some time now. In some states they are deputized by the state in order to perform thier duties. Generally a vehicle comes with the job but not always. More are marked though unmarked is the norm. BNSF has K9 units in clearly marked SUVs. The railroads pay more than small town police departments but less than police and sheriffs departments in larger areas. Plan on moving frequently any where along the railroad. You will get very short notice to uproot your family. The railroads are pretty short on providing back up as well.
Disclaimer. No, I am not a cinder *** but I have known a few.