The service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website. Police said shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday a Metra Electric Line train pulled into the downtown station. Events out of our controlsuch as extreme weather, fallen trees, fires adjacent to our tracks, and police activity on or near our trackscannot be predicted, but can affect your commute. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Sun-Times Media Wire. The Metrorail system has six color-coded rail lines: Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow . Oak Park police could not be reached for details Wednesday. Police said there is no indication of foul play in the teen's death. When the RTA reorganized in 1983, Metra was created. In partnership with federal, state and local agencies, Metra participates in various training exercises to promote awareness, to prevent incidents and enhance training for effective response. The Northeast Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation (D/B/A Metra) is now accepting applications for the position of police officer with the Metra Police Department. The free app is available for Apple users in the App Store or Android users in Google Play. Recruits are sent to the State Police Academy in Springfield. According to the report, the department averages less than one arrest per day. www.masstransitmag.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. In the first agreement, Cook County agreed to adjudicate tickets issued by Metra Police. Apr 8. Applying to the Metra Police Department involves an Officer Entrance Exam, police officer wellness test (PFIT) as mandated by the State of Illinois, personal interviews, background screening, medical evaluation, and psychological screening. Palatine, IL crime, fire and public safety news and events, police & fire department updates The Metra Police Command Staff is active in creating regional partnerships throughout our service area. Even the Metra police patch was redesigned: it now has six stars to represent the six counties Metra serves. Metra Police regularly participate in Chicago Office of Emergency Communications (OEMC) planning meetings for large events. Starting Salary: $27.47 per hour non-certified (75%) at academy; $31.14 per hour certified (85%) on 18-month probation; $36.63 per hour off-probation patrol officer. In all cases, it is the goal of Metra, BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad to get our riders to their destinations as true to schedule as possible. The jurisdiction of the Metra Police extends well past the property owned or leased by Metra. Current Illinois certified officers enter field training immediately upon hire. This is a developing story. The offender was sentenced to life in prison on March 31, 2016, for Officer Cook's murder. Metra police arrested a suspect they said robbed a Metra Electric conductor at gunpoint at the Van Buren Street station in Chicago. They have been issued laptops for field reporting and are using new software to write police reports all in an effort to adopt the best police practices in the country. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. A full-time detective division (including internal investigations) and a new train riding unit were created, whose primary duty is to patrol trains. Because of the six counties of police operation, tickets and criminal complaints are booked into many different courts. The Metra Police Department is a professional force of more than 140sworn officers and civilian support staffwho are responsible for the security of Metra passengers, employees, equipment, yards, stations and otherMetra property. Starting Salary: $44,936. A lack of capital funding from the state of Illinois has resulted in deferred improvements and deferred investments into our rolling stock and infrastructure. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. www.masstransitmag.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. Trains were moving again by around 9:15 a.m. with 15-30 minute delays. Metra Police handle a variety of tasks ranging from civilian complaints to criminal activity. Metra Alert ME - Train #826, scheduled to arrive Millennium Station at 6:49 PM, is on the move and may be 45 to 50 minutes behind schedule - earlier police activity and track construction. Its that drop-your-head-back-and-stare-at-the-ceiling feeling that makes you wonder why this still happens in this era where subterranean express tunnels and passenger trips to space seem possible. College Credits: Deerfield Resident Earns Degree From Marquette U, Baxter Site Meeting Postponed Due To Large Crowd In Deerfield, Check Thief Charged With 5 Felonies: Riverwoods PD Blotter, Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Sullivan Community Center, DNA-The "Blueprint" for Life (1st-5th graders). They have been issued laptops for field reporting and are using new software to write police reports all in an effort to adopt the best police practices in the country. As a result, it has become a much more professionally run, modern, efficient and effective police force. www.masstransitmag.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. The Metra Police Department actively liaisons with the city and state fusion centers, local, state, and federal law enforcement, and has officers embedded in the Chicago FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. As a general rule, court cases are assigned in the nearest court, in the county of arrest. The Metra Police Command Staff is active in creating regional partnerships throughout our service area. After it stopped the suspect, who was a passenger on the train, pulled out a black. For urgent Safety or security concerns, contact the Metra Police Department at (312) 322.2800 or via the Metra Cops mobile phone app. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. Many times enforcing traffic laws around Metra stations and crossings is intended to increase awareness and citizen compliance. The primary mission of the Metra Police Department shall be to safeguard the lives of Metra commuters, its employees and those who use the Metra rail system. That simple sentence, which begins the Metra Police Departments new mission statement, represents a significant transformation within the 115-person department, which is made up of fully sworn police officers, just like any municipal police department. In partnership with federal, state and local agencies, Metra participates in various training exercises to promote awareness, to prevent incidents and enhance training for effective response. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office holds quarterly public safety . To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to [email protected]. The squad has ridden more than 7,000 trains this year already, twice as many as the year before. Most frequently, though, train crews must deal with delays in the spur of the moment. Authorities continue search for Texas man suspected of killing 5, Mom warns others after son severely burned from social media challenge, NW Side restaurant burglarized 4 times in 5 weeks, owners say: VIDEO. The Metra COPS Safety and Security App offers riders a quick and discreet method for reporting safety and security concerns directly to the police. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. Metra instituted an open, fair and transparent police recruitment, testing and interview process that was used for the first time to hire 23 new officers. For the first time ever, the department has a clearly defined mission and it has been making numerous changes and adopting a variety of reforms in the furtherance of that mission. In the second, the Cook County Sheriff agreed to provide 24-hour dispatching service to Metra for 911 calls, which put trained telephone communicators on the other end of the line and allowed nine police officers to return to police duties in the field. The Metra . Officers now wear new uniforms and drive new police cars with a different paint scheme that reflects a reformed force. Metra police confirmed the robbery suspect was arrested in south suburban Calumet City and charges are pending. Metra says the Metra COPS app "is meant for the reporting of safety and security issues on Metra trains and facilities, such as a crime in progress, disruptive or aggressive behavior . The Ashburn Station service area has a population of 102,896 residents as of 2021, second only to the Dulles South Station in population. The Metra Police Command Staff is active in creating regional partnerships throughout our service area. Shuttle buses have been dispatched to make up for the disruption, the CTA said. All rights reserved, How Much Could You Get in New $725M Facebook Settlement? Perez came to Metra as a decorated 28-year veteran of the Illinois State Police Department. [4] It detailed myriad concerns about the agency's training, counter terrorism efforts and commitment to passenger safety. The Metra Police Department also deploys a Homeland Security Unit comprised of specially trained officers in Special Operations, Train Riding and K9 Explosive Detection Teams. . Successful candidates hired as recruits are sent to the Police Academy. The unit has ridden more than 7,000 trains this year already, twice as many as the year before. The Metra Police Department also deploys a Homeland Security Unit comprised of specially trained officers in Special Operations, Train Riding and K9 Explosive Detection Teams. RTA Travel Information Center Even the Metra police patch was redesigned: it now has six stars to represent the six counties Metra serves. For example, if a truck strikes a railroad bridge or a vehicle was stuck on the tracks, a track inspector is required to report to the scene and make sure the rails are safe to operate over. For those on Twitter, each of Metras 11 rail lines has a unique Twitter handle for line-specific service information. Authorities continue search for Texas man suspected of killing 5, Mom warns others after son severely burned from social media challenge, NW Side restaurant burglarized 4 times in 5 weeks, owners say: VIDEO. That simple sentence, which begins the Metra Police Department's new mission statement, represents a significant transformation within the 115-person department, which is made up of fully sworn police officers, just like any municipal police department. When Metra learns of potential disruptions, such as a winter storm or a major planned event, employees across many departments prepare for any issue that may arise. Police said the suspect originally boarded the train at the 147th Street station in Harvey. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Metra police arrested a suspect after a conductor was robbed at the Van Buren Street station in Chicago. The 114-page report sketched an alarming portrait of law enforcement standards on the Metra system. One Metra officer has died in the line of duty. The primary function of the Police Department is deterring crime, stopping crimes in progress, investigating crimes, and serving as first responders for emergencies and situations that threaten . Once you create aMy Metra account, you can sign up to receive alerts for your line and choose the window of time in which you want to receive them. The new south region headquarters was moved to a stand-alone facility, a rehabbed 102-year-old building in Blue Island named after Thomas Cook, a Metra officer who died in the line of duty. Police Public Safety Traffic March 24, 2023 Fox Lake-bound Metra Train 2155 was stopped at the station at Lake Cook Road as a result of the police activity, Metra spokeswoman Meg Thomas-Reile told Patch. All Rights Reserved. (You can read more about thathere). As of 5:50 p.m., CPD has given an all clear for train traffic to resume, but a pair of trains, including a 6 p.m. train out of Millennium Station, were canceled as a result of the stoppage. We understand why: service disruptions add extra stress to an already long work day, interrupt scheduled plans and precious time with family members and they are especially frustrating when our riders dont know what is going on. Current Illinois certified officers enter field training immediately upon hire. The suspect stole the conductor's cash and fled on foot into the station. In May 2014, Joseph Perez was appointed Chief of the Metra Police Department. The police task force involved in the pursuit is handling the case. The Metra Police Department, located in Chicago, Illinois is a law enforcement agency that has been granted specific police powers in Cook County. When you are stuck on a train that is halted, it can be incredibly frustrating not knowing how long you will be there. The Metra Police Department is a professional force of more than 140sworn officers and civilian support staffwho are responsible for the security of Metra passengers, employees, equipment, yards, stations and otherMetra property. Metra also bought an interactive simulator almost like a giant video game to conduct scenario-based training on use of force, de-escalation and other decision-making areas. Police said shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday a Metra Electric Line train pulled into the downtown station. He updated the police policies and procedures manual, and made an electronic version that can be accessed by officers anywhere. Many variables can disrupt normal operations, making it very difficult to completely avoid delays of some kind. He was seen Thursday afternoon with a silver rifle around 2: . Check back here for updates as they come in. All Rights Reserved. Successful candidates hired as recruits are sent to the Police Academy. They have been equipped with Tasers (which have reduced injuries to police and arrestees) and body cameras. Metra officials did not release any further information. Weve made significant, impressive progress in the last two years, said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. Email us at, Moving Tickets from One Device to Another, Using Pre-Tax Transit Benefits in the App, System Map for Customers with Disabilities, Emergency Preparedness and Public Awareness, Chicago Union Station Service Disruption Plan, Create or Log in to My Metra for Business Account, Office of Diversity & Business Enterprise, Performance, Budget & Planning Information. A professional police force of more than 100 sworn officers, the Metra Police Department is responsible The Metra Police Department was created at that time. The unit has ridden more than 7,000 trains this year already, twice as many as the year before. Guided by his police experience and the consultant report, Perez hit the ground running. The primary mission of the Metra Police Department shall be to safeguard the lives of Metra commuters, its employees and those who use the Metra rail system.. Metrorail provides safe, clean, reliable transit service for more than 600,000 customers a day throughout the Washington, DC area. Here's What We Know So Far, 25-Year-Old Makes $200/Hour Without a Bachelor's Degree: I Work Less Than 6 Hours a Day', Man Injured While Trying to Stop Shoplifter at Loop Target Store, 4 Midwest Schools, Including 1 in Illinois Make List of Most Beautiful College Campuses', Exclusive: Trinity Fatu, Formerly WWE's Naomi, Talks Making Surprise Return with IMPACT Wrestling in Chicago. The Metra Police Department was created to protect the eleven rail lines and 242 stations in metropolitan Chicago's commuter rail system, Metra. CHICAGO - CTA Green Line and Metra UP-W trains have been disrupted Wednesday due to "police activity" at Harlem. After it stopped the suspect, who was a passenger on the train, pulled out a black semi-automatic handgun and announced a robbery, according to police. We offer the officer entrance exam on an as-needed basis. The station offers a community room available for public use to non-profit organizations. Every day, employees in the mechanical shops, train yards,and signal, engineering,and transportation departments make sure Metra operates safely and efficiently. Weve all been there: being stuck in the middle of a service disruption can feel like the whole world is working against you. OAK PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- Metra service on Union Pacific-West line was briefly disrupted Thursday morning due to police activity in west suburban Oak Park. One person involved in the incident . However, as in all systems with complex, moving parts, issues can arise at any time, even in the middle of a scheduled trip. Even the Metra police patch was redesigned: it now has six stars to represent the six counties Metra serves. In 1974, the Illinois State Legislature created the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police said they are seeking to identify a suspect who was seen carrying a gun near a downtown Metra station. They are as follows:@metraBNSF,@metraUPNW,@metraUPN,@metraUPW,@metraMDN,@metraMDW,@metraMED,@metraRID,@metraSWS,@metraHC, and@metraNCS. We often receive questions about service disruptions as they are happening and as follow-ups the next day. Officers responded to a home in the 500 West block of Bevan Drive around 4 a.m. for a welfare check following a 911 call. Our train riding unit is seeing less and less bad behavior on trains, less and less bad behavior on platforms, because of the visibility provided by that unit, and also our focus on passenger safety, Perez said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This chart shows a view of problem reports submitted in the past 24 hours compared to the typical volume of reports by time of day. The system is the second busiest in the United States, serving 97 stations in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Downdetector only reports an incident when the number of problem reports is significantly higher than . Making additional stops at Wheaton, Winfield, West Chicago, La fox. Customers also can still report safety and security concerns to Metra Police at 312-322-2800. They have been equipped with Tasers (which have reduced injuries to police and arrestees) and body cameras. In some situations, well try to provide riders with a certain range of delay times. We are looking for ECE qualified teachers and teachers assistants. This process is automatic. CHICAGO Metra has introduced a smartphone app to allow customers to quickly report crimes, suspicious activity, and other safety or security concerns. heck the Metra Rail careers site, located, Moving Tickets from One Device to Another, Using Pre-Tax Transit Benefits in the App, System Map for Customers with Disabilities, Emergency Preparedness and Public Awareness, Chicago Union Station Service Disruption Plan, Create or Log in to My Metra for Business Account, Office of Diversity & Business Enterprise, Performance, Budget & Planning Information. In 2008, the department began using a computer-aided dispatch system and new electronic report writing system. Our train riding unit is seeing less and less bad behavior on trains, less and less bad behavior on platforms, because of the visibility provided by that unit, and also our focus on passenger safety, Perez said. Metro Area: Chicago - Live Audio Feeds To listen to a feed using the online player, choose "Web Player" as the player selection and click the play icon for the appropriate feed. The Homeland Security Unit (formally Special Operations Unit) concentrates on protecting passengers and Metra terminals throughout the system. Metra Police officers currently staff and operate an in-house dispatch center to monitor police activity on Metra property and communicate with local municipalities or Metra officers in the event . Metra's COPS smartphone app is a new way that our customers can quickly and discreetly report crimes, suspicious activity and other safety or security concerns to Metra Police from a train or station. Guided by his police experience and the consultant report, Perez brought in police veterans from outside Metra and promoted some from within to create a command team with wide and diverse experience. Check the Metra Rail careers site, located here,for any available career opportunities. In-service training for all officers includes firearm and Taser recertification, defensive tactics, rapid deployment and use of force decision making training using an interactive simulator outfitted with laser enhanced training weapons. Please enable JavaScript on your browser and try again. This year Metra entered into two agreements with Cook County that will allow the department to put more officers in the field and operate more effectively and efficiently. Officers have been assigned to the Chicago Police Fusion Center (CPIC), and the Illinois State Police Statewide Terrorism Information Center (STIC). 2023 Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transportation Authority, Interested in joining the Metra Police Department? When they arrived, the owner of the home said Alvarez was an acquaintance . It is common for some problems to be reported throughout the day. Metras GPS Center is our central alerts communications hub responsible for sending out emails, website updates, Twitter alerts and platform and onboard announcements to our riders. All of these factors, both anticipated and unexpected, contribute to delays experienced on board any train system, including Metra. He was slain in his patrol car by a suspect with a firearm. Though we communicate with our freight partners throughout a disruption, it is ultimately the freight companys crews who resolve the issue and determine how long it takes. Metra trains headed into and out of Chicago were stopped and thousands of passengers delayed as police investigated reports of a suspicious man with a gun who may or may not have gotten on one. The RTA Act states that these police departments have the authority of municipal police officers. Box 7200, Leesburg, VA 20177 All Metra Electric trains were stopped for approximately 30 minutes in both directions at 91st Street due to police activity, the agency announced on social media. "New report finds Metra police force 'antiquated', "Report calls Metra police force 'antiquated', https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Metra_Police_Department&oldid=1085155783, Transit police departments of the United States, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 April 2022, at 19:22. Email us at [email protected]. Anyone with information is asked to call Metra police at (312) 322-2999.