Orange County NC Website
Transit Watch was developed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and encourages <br /> transit employees, transit riders and community members to be aware of their surroundings <br /> and alert to activities, packages or situations that seem suspicious. If something out of the <br /> ordinary and potentially dangerous is observed, it is to be reported immediately to the proper <br /> transit supervisor who may investigate and/or notify law enforcement authorities. <br /> 3.4b.—SUSPICIOUS ITEMS, VEHICLES, PEOPLE AND ACTIVITIES <br /> OCPT understands that it has a role to play in being a part of the eyes, ears and liability of the <br /> community and a part of the community's first line of defense. Therefore, it is vigilant and is <br /> committed to train and encourage all employees to be on the lookout for any suspicious <br /> people, activities, vehicles, packages or substances. Because OCPT employees know their <br /> operating environment, know what is usual and unusual, they are taught to trust their gut <br /> reactions and report anything unusual, out of place or suspicious to dispatch/management who <br /> will then immediately pass this information on to the appropriate authorities. <br /> All OCPT employees are "On the Lookout" for and report to the transit agency the following: <br /> Suspicious Items <br /> Public transportation systems deal with items left unattended in stations and on vehicles all the <br /> time. These unattended packages impose a tremendous burden on security. Although <br /> unattended packages are rarely linked to explosive devices, they all represent a potential threat <br /> and need to be examined systematically. If an unattended package is not deemed suspicious, it <br /> will be treated as lost property and handled according to agency protocol. <br /> OCPT trains employees to identify items, packages and devices as suspicious if they meet any of <br /> the following criteria: <br /> • Common objects in unusual locations <br /> • Uncommon objects in common locations <br /> • A threatening message is attached <br /> • Unusual wires or batteries are visible <br /> • Stains, leaks or powdery residue are evident <br /> • Sealed with excessive amounts of tape or string <br /> • Lopsided or lumpy in appearance <br /> • Tanks, bottles or bags are visible <br /> • A clock or timer is attached <br /> • A strange odor, cloud, mist, vapor or sound emanates from it <br /> • Addressed with cut and paste lettering and/or common words misspelled <br /> • Have excessive postage attached <br /> • Abandoned by someone who quickly leaves the scene <br /> • No one in the immediate area claims it as theirs <br /> • An active attempt has been made to hide it (i.e. Placed in an out-of-the-way locations) <br /> 881Page <br />