A lot of you have already weighed in with negative initial reactions to WMATA’s plan to start a random bag search program on Metro. There’s more information available now, with an official release and an expanded WaPo story, so let’s break down exactly how this is purportedly going to work:
Why They Are Doing This: WMATA says the program is intended to look for “explosive devices” and target “terrorism.” For some reason, the Post is framing the initiative as a crime-fighting tactic, putting up a rather leading poll asking readers if they are in favor of searches that help “combat crime.” Crimes like robbery and theft are way up on Metro, but don’t be fooled: WMATA is being clear that these searches are not intended to reduce crimes other than terrorism. Could the result of the threat of random searches mean a side benefit of reduced crime on Metro? We suppose it’s possible, but there’s no evidence to suggest that’s the case.
When This Will Start: Metro won’t actually say. They have said, however, that the program is in some way a response to the need for heightened security at certain upcoming events like the 2009 inauguration. The searches could start as soon as today.
How Often it Will Happen: Whenever there’s a “heightened” security threat, or in other words, whenever Metro Transit Police deem it necessary.
How it Will Work: When it’s determined that a team of bag searchers will be deployed to a particular location, Metro Transit Police will pick a random number, let’s say 12, and then stop every 12th person and ask to search through their bag(s). They’ll be looking for explosives, but if they find anything illegal, like drugs, then they will make an arrest. Anyone who refuses to have their bags searched, however, will be allowed to leave with their belongings — they just won’t be allowed to enter the Metro system at the point of search. Bag searches will only take place outside of fare gates, and will not be announced ahead of time. Metro is installing signs outside station entrances informing riders of the potential of searches. Also of note: the searches could also happen at bus stops.
Our pals up at Gothamist have written plenty about New York’s random subway searches, which so far have been upheld as constitutional despite lawsuits from civil liberties organizations. For you 4th amendment fans, here’s where you can buy a “I do not consent to being searched” T-Shirt. And for those of you who think this seems like a serious case of Big Brother, just imagine how you’d feel if we also adopted the “Lucky Bag” sting policy.
Photo by winged photography
