Metrolink Bureau Unit Order 610-20 Transit Passenger Random Baggage Searches

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

PURPOSE OF ORDER:

The purpose of this unit order is to establish polices and procedures governing the search of passengers’ baggage at Metrolink passenger stations.  

SCOPE OF ORDER:

The scope of this order is to increase deterrence and detection of potential terrorist activity and to provide greater protection to the persons using the Metrolink transit system.

All inspections of passenger baggage pursuant to this general order will be undertaken for the limited and sole purpose of discouraging and deterring terrorists or other violent criminals from carrying weapons, explosives or other dangerous items in or onto the Metrolink transit system.

Policy/Procedures:

Deputies Responsibilities

Metrolink deputy personnel and canine units will conduct random baggage searches of any passenger who is carrying or transporting any article of baggage via the Metrolink transit system. This will be done prior to the passengers entering the trains. Signs will be posted at all entrances to the station parking lot/platforms prior to the start of the operation. The signs will read:  ALL BAGGAGE ENTERING THIS AREA IS SUBJECT TO SEARCH.  Portable tables will be set up on the platforms for searching selected baggage.

The searches will be done pursuant to a random selection criteria.  The type of selection process will change on a daily basis and be announced on the day of the search (refer to the operations plan for specific details).  Once a person has been selected for a baggage search, deputy personnel will have them put their baggage on a table, the deputy will make a cursory search through the baggage and, if available, the canine will also do a check.

During the inspection, deputies may open the baggage and physically inspect and manipulate the contents with what is minimally necessary to ensure it does not contain a weapon, explosive device or other dangerous item. The security inspection shall not include a search of the person.  In no event shall deputy personnel physically touch a passenger for the purposes of conducting any kind of inspection or search unless the passenger is subject to a lawful suspicion-based protective frisk or search in accordance with the general laws concerning arrests, searches and seizures.

Any individual may refuse to permit an inspection of their baggage or to enter the Metrolink system. The individual shall be advised that their entry into the Metrolink system will subject them to a search of their baggage.  A refusal to permit inspection shall not constitute probable cause for an arrest or reasonable suspicion for a forcible stop; however, the individual will not be permitted to access the Metrolink system. Deputies shall request that the individual depart the facility.

Nothing in this procedure shall limit deputy personnel’s power to investigate all suspicious behavior pursuant to the general laws governing arrests, searches or seizures that are based upon a particularized suspicion of criminal activity.

Any refusals to have property searched, if any contraband found or any significant incidents, shall be immediately reported to the Incident Commander.  All Department policies regarding arrests, searches and reporting procedures shall be in effect.

Incident Commander’s Responsibilities

The incident Commander shall ensure that all Department policies are in effect and adhered to.  Any significant incidents shall be reported immediately to the Metrolink Unit Commander.