ACLU investigates random train searches By JOHN CHRISTOFFERSEN Associated Press Writer STAMFORD, Conn. The American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut has begun an investigation into a new practice of random searches on Metro-North trains, a spokesman said Monday.
The searches began last week after the latest attacks on London's transit system. The Connecticut ACLU joins its affiliates in New York and New Jersey in raising concerns about the practice. "We believe it opens up the door to profiling and potential discrimination," said Roger Vann, executive director of the ACLU of Connecticut. "We're launching an investigation into the situation in Connecticut similar to what our affiliates have done in New York and New Jersey. Whether or not that will result in a lawsuit will depend on what we find." The ACLU will send monitors out later this week to a few train stations to interview commuters, Vann said. They are also taking complaints by e-mail. The address is: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Metropolitan Transit Authority police are conducting random searches of packages, briefcases and bags as part of anti-terrorism efforts. Passengers can refuse the search, but Metro-North can then refuse to allow those passengers to board. "The ACLU's concerns have been noted and we believe the searches are legal and something our customers want," said Tom Kelly, MTA spokesman. "The vast, vast majority think if in the slightest way it's going to improve security they're all for it. The customers understand this is the day and age we're living in." Metro-North trains carry 110,000 riders daily from Connecticut into New York on one of the nation's busiest rail lines. The railroad has not received any complaints so far about the searches, said Marjorie Anders, a Metro-North spokeswoman. While the ACLU was raising concerns about random searches, three state lawmakers sent a letter to state officials Monday seeking a meeting to discuss security measures being taken on the trains. State Sens. Andrew McDonald, D-Stamford, Bill Finch, D-Bridgeport, and Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, are suggesting the use of closed-circuit cameras in stations and other measures. State police troopers have been patrolling trains after the first set of bombings in London. Connecticut Public Safety Commissioner Leonard Boyle said last week that police in Connecticut plan to focus on identifying suspicious behavior rather than conducting random searches. Jim Cameron, vice chairman of Connecticut Rail Commuter Council, said last week he doesn't think commuters will mind the extra scrutiny. Searches were already underway on trains, buses and ferries into and out of New York City on Friday. Security on ferries had already been increased in the wake of the first round of bombings in London. Baggage is screened and cars are searched before they're allowed on board. 050725 210629 Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. FAIR USE NOTICE: All original content and/or articles and graphics in this message are copyrighted, unless specifically noted otherwise. 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