Questions and Answers

1. Why should rail fans not take photos of military equipment?

Posting photos of military equipment and movement information on websites seems harmless; however, that information is valuable to terrorists and our nation’s enemies. Citizens photographing military shipments will draw the attention and scrutiny of local police.

2. Why do rail fans need a “pass” to watch trains and take photos?

Rail fans do not need a “pass” to watch trains. The CRS identification card is not intended to be a pass but instead has reminders of safe activity around the railroad and has the BNSF Resource Operations Call Center emergency number for the member to use to report crimes in progress on the railroad.

3. Why will the link to my ID card not work?

Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) split the link to the CRS identification card into multiple lines. Users should try typing the entire link into their web browser and should be able to print the identification card from there. As an alternative, forward the email message with the link information to Resource.Protection@bnsf.com and ask for the card to be printed and mailed to the card address.

4. How do I become a member?

From the Citizens for Rail Security web site home page (www.citizensforrailsecurity.com) click on the “Enrollment” tab at the top of the page and follow the enrollment instructions.

5. How do I know if a person is really a special agent?

BNSF Police Officers in uniform will have shoulder patches that have the word “Police” across the top of the patch and the BNSF Railway logo below the word “Police.” The “Scales of Justice” will fill the lower portion of the patch.

Uniformed officers will have a name badge on the uniform and there will be a number on their badge. BNSF Police in plain clothes will have a BNSF Police badge and identification card. CRS members can contact the BNSF emergency call center at 800-832-5452 and confirm the officer’s identity.

The BNSF Police badge has a silver shield for the background with a gold seven point star in the foreground. The center rings around the state seal will state “Railroad Police” and “Burlington Northern Santa Fe.” The bottom of the badge will either have the officers badge number or a row of blue stars.

6. How much does it cost to join?

Membership in CRS is free!

7. Will I be contacted by railroad police if I report something?

BNSF Police may contact you if they need additional information or for a criminal investigation that would require you to provide a witness statement.

8. How can I get a railroad police officer to provide a CRS program for my community group?

Call the BNSF Resource Operations Call Center at 800-832-5452, Option 3, and request a BNSF police officer contact you to do a CRS presentation for your community organization.

9. Can I enter railroad property as part of this program?

Trespassing on railroad property is a crime and is dangerous. As a member of CRS you are not authorized to enter on any railroad property. There are many publicly accessible sites that provide great views of passing trains. CRS members are encouraged to enjoy train watching from those locations and to report anyone who trespasses on railroad property.

10. What types of actions does BNSF want Citizens for Rail Security to report?

All Citizens for Rail Security members should report the following observations:

• Trespassers
• Objects left on or near railroad tracks and infrastructure
• Gates either left open or damaged
• Suspicious activities or individuals