prevention and consequences

Questions for thought:

What can you do to prevent crime or being a victim of it?

What consequences are there in breaking the law?

What types of crimes happen on the railroad and what are some penalties?

As a potential victim of crime, keep in mind that criminals look for opportunity and people who seem to be an easier target.  It is especially important to be aware of what is going on around you!!  A scary fact of crime is that you can be a victim in the blink of an eye.  It's often over before you even know it.  

What are some good crime prevention tips?

1. Do not go anywhere that is not visible or hides you- those hidden alcoves are very dangerous.  This is true at subways, Penn Station- New York, Grand Central Terminal and The Port Authority Bus Terminal on 42nd Street.  Criminals love these areas in public places- especially if close to a subway for a quick getaway after committing the crime.  Go to a more public and visible area if possible and wait there to board a train.

2. Stay in the concourse area of a station and go to the platform only when the train is boarding.  Don't hang out or linger on the platforms.  If you are waiting, find a place to sit at a cafe or look for visible seating along a wall.

3. Have a planned route.  Look like you know where you are going.

4. Be very aware.  Remove the ear buds and turn off the tech.  You need to be especially aware of what is going on around you in a transit hub.  It's not the time to be on a call, texting or listening to your favorite music.  This is why voicemail exists.  The world is not going to end if you do not call back right away.  Call only when it is safe to do so.  Your safety is more important than that call from the boss who has no clue where you are.   You may also miss important announcements. 

5. You can use this stuff on the NJT train going home where you are less vulnerable to crime.

6. Do not make conversation with strangers.  Again, anybody can be a criminal.  Be mindful of someone coming up to you.

7. Be careful at ticket machines.  Someone may be watching you and learning your PIN before robbing you.  Go to a visible place where you are seen to purchase tickets or get electronic tickets beforehand in your smart phone.

8. Listen to your gut.  If you are not comfortable in an area, go to another.  You may be right.

9. Report anything that looks suspicious.  If you notice something, you may prevent a crime or terror attack.  You can text police, or look for an officer on the platform or in the concourse.

10. Travel on subways during peak times when people are around.

11. Be aware of the neighborhood you are in.  Is it in a high crime area?

It's not pretty, but there are consequences for what you do.  Your parents and teachers are drumming this into your head for a good reason.  Illegal acts have unforgiving and lifelong consequences.  YOU WILL face them if caught and arrested.  If you think you are smarter than the law, think again.  Depending on the crime you commit on a railroad, you will be charged as an adult if a juvenile.  The excuse of being under 18 does not work.  You will also do time in an adult prison or jail.  Other consequences go beyond the law in living with what you did.  You will have to look at yourself in the mirror.   

*Railroad property is not under municipal jurisdiction even though it is in your town.  You are subject to the laws and in the jurisdiction of the railroad- even if there is a single-track line for ANY CRIMINAL OFFENSE on the property.  

Trespassing-

Getting caught and living is the best-case scenario.  YOU will face charges if caught!!  Prevention is simple and clear.  STAY OFF AND STAY OUT!

***Railroads are NOT PUBLIC PROPERTY but are PRIVATE PROPERTY.***

You may be given a warning.  The fines depend on the railroads.  Get caught 3 times and you will be charged with a felony.   If caught on a freight train, you are subject to arrest.  The same is true if you refuse to pay for a ticket on a passenger train.  NJT will have the police waiting for you at the next stop.  Laws will vary depending on the railroad and the state.  Keep in mind that there are also FEDERAL laws against trespassing.  

If you post your illegal railroad adventures on social media, keep in mind they can be used as EVIDENCE of illegal activity and you can be prosecuted.  This goes for photos and videos.  As my Driver Ed teacher said in high school once upon a time, "Choose your friends carefully!" Just because you see it on YouTube doesn't mean you can or should do it.

If someone you are with is hurt or killed during your "adventure" on the rails, you will be charged with a felony. 

Vandalism-

Vandalism is the destruction of any property on the railroad.  This includes destruction of property through breaking windows, graffiti on cars or buildings, damaging or destroying fencing.  According to NJT law, damage in excess of 400 dollars is a felony.   A felony will follow you the rest of your life.  Depending on what is destroyed, you may face other charges.

Assault, Battery and Sexual Assault-

If you assault an NJT train crew member, you may be subject to a fine and prison.  All it takes is a shove of a conductor to be arrested and charged with aggravated assault.  You can do 18 months in PRISON and pay a $10,000 fine.   NJT has ZERO TOLERANCE of assault on any employee.  You will be removed from the train by police at the next stop.  Again, THE CONDUCTOR is responsible for behavior on the train and collecting fares.  This is posted near to the warning about assaulting  train crew on NJT coaches.

Legislation is in the process of making assault of a train crewmember or railroad worker a FEDERAL CRIME.

You will also be prosecuted for sexual assault and rape on a train or subway.   If you experience someone groping you on a train, report it to police.  Some of these people may be serial offenders or already convicted sex offenders.

Robbery is an example where a crime includes other crimes like assault.  It's often referred to as "Mugging." 

It's common on subways as well as in a city.  You need to pay attention to what is going on around you. Turn off the tech and remove the ear buds.  Other forms of robbery include pickpocketing using distractions.  When you are not paying attention, that is when you are the victim of a crime.  I learned a lesson, but came out on the better end.

I almost got robbed while waiting for a train at Penn Station.  I was in an area where there were no police, but others around.  A gentleman using a wheelchair and his friends were creating a diversion when the man using a wheelchair tried to go for my pocket quickly.  I moved away before he could get to my pocket and people called him out.  They disappeared very quickly.  

You can be a victim very quickly and not even realize it.

The remedy: I went to a more public platform/ waiting area closer to 7th Avenue and not near the subways.

Illegal Dumping-

What is dumping?  This repeats another part of this webquest verbatim.  It cannot be stated enough.  Dumping is illegally putting your trash on property that is not yours.  On a railroad right of way, It is putting the garbage and other objects along a right of way that shouldn't be there.  They range from a variety of things that can pollute, present environmental hazards, diseases or fire hazards to brakemen along the right of way.   It's ugly and unsightly.  It attracts vermin.  

Objects can wind up on the tracks and cause derailments.  People even dump residential trash, furniture, chemicals, sewage and car parts.  Dumping also attracts the wrong people who trespass on tracks.  Some hobos live along these railroads in camps bringing crime as well as their trash.  

Trash is not the only thing dumped along railroads.  Unfortunately, railroads have also been locations of homicides or where bodies are dumped.  That can delay trains as it becomes a crime scene being investigated.  Some of these places where railroads have their yards are not in the safest and choice parts of town.  People who do this also face several charges including murder.  

Dumping is another example of a crime connected to other crimes and you will answer for it in court.

Trash belongs at a recycling center and NOT along a railroad track.  If caught, you may face a FINE or JAIL.  If someone is hurt by your dumping, you may face additional charges including  TRESPASSING.

Dumping Along Railroads

Illegal Dumping Issues on the Union Pacific

Father Who Dumped Child's Remains Along Railroad

Fare Evasion-

Fare evasion is another crime that takes place on railroads.  People look for ways to get a free ride on a train without paying for it.  It can also be considered theft of service.  The MTA, NJT, Amtrak and other railroads have measures in place to combat this issue.

1. Pay your fare on a NY subway with a MetroCard and go through the turnstiles.  NEVER jump them. Up until 2017, you could have been arrested and sent to jail.  However, it doesn't make it any less illegal and if there is an open complaint, you will still be arrested.  

If you beat a fare, you can receive a $100 summons or be charged with theft of service and up to a year imprisonment.

PATH train riders face similar consequences for beating a fare and may also include community service as a part of the sentencing.  You will be pushing a broom and cleaning up garbage. 

2. On a train, NJT conductors will have police waiting for you at the next stop if you fail to pay for a ticket.  You will be arrested and have to pay a fine.  100 dollars is typical for NJT's light rail service.

Areas like Secaucus Transfer have turnstiles that are monitored by NJT workers and Transit police who are posted.

3. With Amtrak, jail may also be a possibility if you try to beat a fare and you will also be removed at the next station stop.

Drugs and Alcohol (A repeat from Do Not Do These)

The Party on the Tracks-

If you are caught by police, you will face charges for drugs and underage drinking if you are under 21 in addition to trespassing.  Railroad employees take this seriously knowing the dangers of railroading.  As a citizen, people do not realize how dangerous it really is to be there- even being sober.  It will be a bad day for you.

Drugs and alcohol on trains

*Alcohol is allowed on some trains.  It is not allowed to be consumed and is ok if the container is unopened.  Check with your passenger carrier and transit railroad to see what the laws are because they do vary.

Drugs are illegal aboard trains.  These include methamphetamine, ecstasy, heroin, marijuana, cocaine, crack, and prescription drugs like oxycontin.  You will face drug charges and possibly FEDERAL time in prison if caught using or dealing.  You will be serving a longer time before release with no parole as opposed to state prison.  35 years means 35 years behind bars.

Drug Possession Laws in NJ

35 Year Sentence For Drug Dealer on Amtrak Trains 

46 Pounds of Pot Seized

Man Arrested on Train for Dealing Drugs in Omaha 

If you break the law, you will never be able to put the pieces back together.

1. You face arrest, fines and have a criminal record for trespassing.

2. You can be put in jail or prison- if you are a repeat offender.

3. You or your friends can be killed on the tracks because you are distracted.

4. You are subject to violence from criminals if you happen to get in the wrong train car while train hopping.

5. You disrupt the operation of a railroad if you are injured, hit by a train or are arrested.

6. YOU are the one who needs to make a good choice.

7. YOU are responsible if you break the law.

8. Unless you are riding a passenger train at a station stop, stay away the rest of the railroad.

9. Assault on an NJT Train Crew Member will result in a fine and PRISON TIME.

10. Vandalism over $400 in damage to NJT property is a felony. 

11. Go to someplace safe if you feel threatened.

12. PAY ATTENTION to what is going on around you!!!

13. Report anything suspicious to a police officer or NJ Transit Police.

IMPORTANT!

If you see any illegal or suspicious activity on a railroad, report it immediately.  Don't wait.  Don't listen to the "Don't snitch" attitude.  YOU may prevent a tragedy from happening to you or to others.  Criminals fear getting caught because they fear the consequences for what they are doing and some may want to intentionally harm others.