Last week’s program was presented by Rotarian Charles Harris.Charles guest speakers wereWilliam Shiver & Anna Dapson, special agents with CSX Railroad Police.Special Agent Shiver gave us a brief power-point presentation on the history of the Railroad Police.As the railroads stretched west following the Civil War, the U.S. Army was tasked with law enforcement responsibilities within the Western Territories. Despite the Army's best efforts, railroads suffered considerable losses in stolen payroll, freight, parcels and luggage. Following the Civil War, thousands of unemployed soldiers took to the rail yards for survival. Organized bands of outlaws like the infamous Hole in the Wall Gang and the James Gang, utilized dynamite on bridges, tunnels, stations, tracks and railroad cars to conduct holdups. The nature of these violent times called for prompt action. Railway companies hired policemen with little concern for their background and experience. The ability to handle physical confrontations was paramount while diplomacy and investigative experience was a secondary consideration. It was the general custom to simply hand a newly appointed officer a badge and send him out to work without further preparation or instruction in law enforcement. Inadequate methods of recruiting agents resulted in undesirable characters seeking positions as railroad police officers. The lack of training and discipline tainted this branch of railroad service and earned the officers a poor reputation for safety and security. One of the primary issues encountered by railroad police was their lack of authority outside the railroad property boundaries. They did not have the power to enforce the law beyond railroad borders unless they gained an appointment as a deputy or special policeman.On February 27, 1865, the legislature of Pennsylvania enacted the Railroad Police Act, the first law officially establishing railroad police. The act authorized the governor of the state to appoint railroad police officers and gave statewide authority to these officers. The Railroad Police Act provided the model legislation for other states to follow. Railroad policing has developed into a unique, highly specialized branch of law enforcement. With a commitment to education, technology and safety, railroad police service has kept pace with the changing needs of our society.Locally, rail problems include dumping of trash on CSX property and people taking pictures (prom, senior pictures, calendar girl, etc.) that can be very dangerous and is trespassing on private property.There are 4 major crimes departments to the Railroad Police; Environmental Crimes Unit, Theft-anti-crime unit, K-9 units and Rapid Response Teams.The agents also train closely with local Police/Sherriff departments, and Homeland Security for terrorist training.
-submitted by Mike Arndt
Club News
R.A.F.T. Update
Clayton Jenkins continues to make progress with the “RAFT” program for kids with educational needs in our community. A very productive and successful meeting was recently held with great support from the community and several other Rotarians. To learn more about RAFT contact Clayton.
Mark your calendars for Friday, November 11th, at 6:30pm! Here is a list of the scheduled participants:
Beverly Littlejohn & Ivan (SFBH)
Chase and Sasha Wetherington (HCSO)
Bryson Keel and Ashlyn Yargrough
Alex Aponte and Partner (Festival)
Emily Topper and Partner
Kayla Drawdy and Kenny Griffin
Shaun and Crystal Bryant
Nancy Egbert and Mike Johnston
Jillian Wilder and Jason Turner
Dr.Maira Estrada and Partner
If you know any of these dancers, please thank them for their participation!
Program Chairman John Haney is our program chairman. Please notify him regarding upcoming speakers and programs. Call 813-716-5108 or email John at jhaney@acebid.com
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