Introduction to railroad security

The rail system in the US is best thought of as containing three major elements: passenger operation and operators and regional authorities operating commuter services; the seven major freight carriers; and the over 550 regional and short-line railroads that serve as feeders to the big freight railroads and service local businesses and industries. The creation of the Department of Homeland Security through the Homeland Security Act of 2002 set in motion a number of changes, although for several years the situation was in flux as the new department moved to organize its operations and take action on policy initiatives mandated by Congress and the President. Homeland security policy emanates not just from legislation but also by executive orders of the President. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book.