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Rail Security

Layers of Security

TSA officials next to a train engine

Recent media reports about missing rail spikes on a railroad in Illinois demonstrate the critical need for protecting the rail system.

TSA plays an important role in securing our railroads and conducts inspections and investigations to prevent attacks, share best practices and solve problems. Across the country, TSA deploys transit inspectors, VIPR teams, canine teams and provides grants to protect and support mass transit systems.

Layers of Security

Image of TSA inspectors next to Railway Express train

Developing Technology

Rail Mobile Checkpoint

Mobile checkpoint equipment can fit into two standard size shipping containers and be rapidly deployed for use in screening and detection at any major system in the country. Read more about this unique approach to security screening

Conducted in partnership with DOT, Amtrak, the Maryland Rail Commuter, and the Washington DC Metro Transit Authority, the Transit and Rail Inspection Pilot used advanced explosives detection equipment and canine patrols to screen thousands of passengers and bags. Read

Conducting Site Assessments to Strengthen Security

We have conducted thousands of criticality assessments, in cooperation with federal, state, local, and private security partners, to determine best practices, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities across the nation.

Developing Recommendations for Securing Freight Rail

The efficient operation of our critical interstate rail system requires a uniform, nationwide approach to railroad security, and a list of security action items identified by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation during risk assessments and security review helps provide that uniformity. Read the Freight Rail Security Action Items

Get the facts on what the Department of Homeland Security is doing for rail security by reading our Rail Security Fact Sheet.