Re: [WA] Train security off the rails

["Peter Parker" <parkerp@alphalink.com.au>]

David Bromage <dbromage@fang.omni.com.au> wrote in message
r4FP5.34$rd2.3176@news0.optus.net.au">news:r4FP5.34$rd2.3176@news0.optus.net.au...
> [A rather alarmist short item which doesn't warrant quoting. Read it
yourself.]
>
>
http://www.thewest.com.au/20001113/news/perth/tw-news-perth-home-sto10572-pi
c2829.html

Found the following on the Transperth website re security issues.  I think
it's a fairly recent addition.

Peter


Safelink - Protecting your right to travel safely



Despite the relatively low incidence of reported and unreported crime, some
passengers have real concerns for their safety while either using trains or
waiting at stations, particularly at night.

Personal experience, media reports, and observing criminal or anti social
behaviour are some of the reasons why people have these concerns. Others
include acts of vandalism, and the presence of graffiti or groups of young
people.

Transperth and its operator Westrail is committed to providing a rail
service where all train passengers can feel safe and secure. As a result, we
progressively introduce a number of security initiatives to build on the
measures already in place, and these are described in this brochure.

We are not stopping there. A Safer Public Transport Taskforce - comprising
members of the Department of Transport, Transperth, Westrail, Police
Department and the Ministry of Justice - is playing an important role in the
development of further safety initiatives described in this brochure.

Like you, Transperth believes that no one has the right to interfere with,
or spoil anyone else's journey. And because trains are for everyone, we also
believe you can play an important role, by reporting any actual or suspected
offences you may witness.



Platform Security · Security Staff · Heavy Fines · Passenger Safety Watch ·
Video Surveillance



Platform Security

Existing measures

Emergency help telephones These are manned 24 hours a day, seven days a
week, and are installed at all except two stations on the suburban rail
network. Simply lift the receiver to talk to a control room operator who can
notify Westrail's closest mobile security patrol or the police.

Secure car parks These are already operating at Edgewater and Warwick train
stations.

Security Patrols Westrail Special Constables and nine Police Officers
provide a security presence on selected trains and 16 stations, with 15
stations manned until after the last train service at night. Special
Constables have access to police communications and take part in joint
operations to apprehend offenders.

New measures

Greater physical presence An additional 40 permanent security officers to
man stations, with a Taskforce recommendation that they be joined by
additional Police officers. This will provide a greater night time security
presence at an increased number of stations and car parks.

Additional secure car parks 18 car parks will be upgraded to provide secure
park 'n' ride facilities, with many having closed circuit television
coverage.

Improved lighting Upgrading the lighting at all stations to Westrail 'white
light' standard (which meets Australian Standards for stations and car parks
and is already installed on the northern suburbs line), to provide greater
safety, and a positive deterrent to offenders.

Fare enforcement barriers The introduction of barriers at 13 high patronage
rail/bus interchanges to prevent anyone without a ticket from boarding a
train complement current on-train revenue protection measures.

Increased video surveillance Platform security will also be improved with
better video surveillance initiatives described in this brochure.


Security Staff

Existing measures

Emergency Buttons In an emergency, passengers can talk directly with the
driver of their train by using the emergency buttons located beside each of
the doorways on all rail cars. Drivers are able to radio for assistance from
mobile patrols, the nearest security staff or the Police.

Special Constables 108 Westrail Special Constables (who receive similar
training and have similar powers to the Police) and nine Police Officers
provide a security presence on selected day time trains, with every train
leaving Perth Central after 7.00pm having two Special Constables on board.

Customer Service Assistants 28 Customer Service Assistants operate between
5.30am and 2.30pm at 16 stations. They provide advice and help to
passengers, check tickets, assist with wheelchairs, and ensuring Westrail
facilities are kept clean and functional.

Aboriginal Liaison Officers Westrail employs four Aboriginal Liaison
Officers who deal with indigenous issues across the suburban rail network.

Revenue Protection Officers Eight Officers, whose primary role is to combat
fare evasion, work in teams of four, operating on a line-by-line basis on
trains and at stations, including barrier checks.

New measures


Increased 'on train' security An additional 30 permanent Westrail security
officers, so that all trains will be manned for at least part of each
journey, with a Taskforce recommendation that they be joined by extra Police
officers.


Easily identifiable staff Uniformed Westrail staff provide a visible
deterrent to possible trouble makers, with security officers already wearing
recognisable uniforms. All other staff who come face-to-face with the public
also wear easily identifiable uniforms which provides an additional
deterrent.

Aboriginal Intervention Program Aboriginal Liaison Officers work with the
Aboriginal community to provide information and assistance on a range of
issues. Their continuing relationship with the Noongar Patrol will also
increase the effectiveness of this program.

Heavy fines

Existing measures

'Limited Tolerance' Westrail is committed to a safe rail system and now
operates a program of 'limited tolerance', where even seemingly minor
offences that encroach on passengers' rights will be dealt with.

Severe penalties There are severe penalties for anyone caught endangering
the safety and comfort of train passengers. Infringements may result in
on-the-spot fines, or be enforced through the criminal court system.

Threatening behaviour - 3 years prison
Carrying weapons - 2 years prison/$8,000 fine
Offensive behaviour - $600 fine
Spitting - $200 fine
Smoking - $200 fine
Drinking alcohol - $500 fine
Vandalising Transperth property - $600 fine

Help us catch offenders If you believe an offence has been committed, are
subjected to anti social or unruly behaviour, or see an act of vandalism
being carried out, call 13 16 08 as soon as possible so that we can identify
and prosecute the offenders.

Passenger Safety Watch

Passenger Safety Watch operates in a similar way to Neighbourhood Watch, by
encouraging public transport users, and indeed all members of the public, to
care for both each other and the overall public transport system.

Reporting offences such as offensive behaviour, graffiti and vandalism, you
can help reduce the frequency of these offences, and make bus and train
travel safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Transperth will pay rewards of
up to $500 for information that leads to the prosecution of any offender.

Call 13 16 08 at any time, and as soon as possible after witnessing what you
believe to be an offence.

Video Surveillance


Existing measures

On-train surveillance All suburban trains are fitted with cameras that
record the activities in each carriage. Video footage can and has been used
when an offence is observed or reported.

Platform surveillance 22 of Westrail's 57 suburban stations have closed
circuit television cameras installed.
Car park surveillance Closed circuit television cameras are installed at
four station car parks.

New measures

Digital closed circuit television security at all stations Extending camera
surveillance to all 57 suburban stations will improve safety by providing a
substantial deterrent to possible offenders. Camera surveillance at Perth
station will be extended to the western concourse.

Centralised monitoring Digital conversion of the closed circuit television
network will allow for the establishment of a monitoring centre, which will
operate whenever trains are running. Incidents on stations will be viewed
and responded to immediately. This will increase the deterrent effect of the
cameras.

Platform emergency help telephones and buttons These will be linked to the
central closed circuit television monitoring system, allowing emergency
operators to more clearly assess and act on a problem immediately.

Linked public address and passenger information systems This will allow
security, safety and timetable announcements to be made to all stations from
a central control facility. The systems will work together with the closed
circuit television security monitoring to allow announcements to be made at
individual stations or groups of stations. This will discourage undesirable
behaviour and issue warnings to offenders.




Perth has one of the safest rail systems in the world. With your help, and
with the planned measures outlined in this brochure, it will become even
more safe and secure. You have the right to travel safely and comfortably
whenever you choose, wherever you choose.
No one should be allowed to interfere with that right.