Non Encounter...Amtrak Police?

[rxer311]

I was eating lunch at the Jackson House in Harrisburg today and I was OC my M&P Shield. I noticed there were 2 officers in the place when I entered. When I first arrived I was CC with my coat covering my pistol. I after I ordered my food and sat down I removed my coat but they really did not notice because I was across the room with my strong side away from them. When my meal came I needed some good ole ketchup which just happened to be on the counter right next to their table. I casually walked over to get my condiment with my pistol basically jammed in the face of the 2 officers. If they didn't notice the are oblivious to their surroundings. No comments were made...not even a look the entire time I ate...not that I really expected an encounter. When I left I noticed that their police cruiser was marked Amtrak Police and it had US government tags. By the way...it was illegally parked!

The real reason for my post is what are the Amtrak Police and what is their jurisdiction? Would they just not care because the city of Harrisburg would not be their jurisdiction or would they have authority in the state of PA outside the rails and station?

[sigarms229]

Amtrak police oversee the rail lines, terminal stations, etc....

http://police.amtrak.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amtrak_Police

They have regular police powers and do operate as a mutual aid department to local municipalities. I have seen them on calls outside of the railroad in Susquehanna Township assisting local police.

The government plates is because they are a governmental agency. They have Patrol, Intelligence, K-9 and Tactical divisions.

[Statkowski]

They were Railroad Police. Specifically, Amtrak, but other railroads also have railroad police. They're generally certified as law enforcement officers, specifically geared towards protecting the railroad (rolling stock, contents, real estate, etc.), but can also enforce the laws of the state in which they are originally certified, and also the laws of other states in which their railroad operates.

Your local Pennsylvania cop can only enforce law in Pennsylvania, but a Norfolk Southern Railway cop can enforce law in 22 states, plus the District of Columbia and the Province of Ontario.

[rxer311]

Thanks for clearing that up for me. Just glad they didn't hassle me then.

[tvtog]

Curious as to what holster you use for your Shield.

[rxer311]

Curious as to what holster you use for your Shield.

I use a Crossbreed Snap Slide occasionally when I go OWB. Most of the time I use a Old Faithful kydex IWB holster.