Transit and Railroad Police

Protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.

SOC: 33-3052.00

Common Job Titles

PatrolmanRailroad PoliceRailroad Police OfficerTransit Police Officer

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeEvaluate threats and security risks to transit passengers, employees, and property in railroad and transit environments, applying public safety and security protocols.
  • MindsetIntegrate conflict resolution techniques with public safety priorities when managing confrontations and negotiating with diverse stakeholders in high-pressure transit settings.
  • Hands-onOperate law enforcement equipment including firearms, batons, handcuffs, and restraint devices following departmental protocols and safety procedures during patrol and enforcement activities.
  • Hands-onPerform patrol duties on foot, bicycle, and in vehicles across transit facilities and railroad property, monitoring surroundings for suspicious activity and safety hazards while maintaining visible presence.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze incident information and evidence from crime scenes using fingerprinting equipment, digital cameras, and law enforcement databases to support investigations.
  • MindsetEngage with passengers and the public during routine patrol and emergency response, demonstrating service orientation while maintaining authority and ensuring compliance with transit regulations.
  • KnowledgeApply legal statutes and regulations governing transit and railroad operations when making arrests, issuing citations, and documenting violations in accordance with law and government requirements.
  • KnowledgePrepare detailed incident reports and documentation using Microsoft Office software and law enforcement information systems to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
  • MindsetSupport individuals in crisis or distress by providing first aid, coordinating emergency medical response, and offering reassurance to passengers and employees.
  • Hands-onExecute hazardous materials detection and emergency response procedures using chemical, biological, and explosive detectors in accordance with safety protocols.
  • KnowledgeInterpret crime mapping data and geographic intelligence to identify patterns, allocate resources, and develop patrol strategies for transit and railroad systems.
  • MindsetParticipate in community policing initiatives and public safety training programs to build trust with transit users and coordinate with interdisciplinary law enforcement teams.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Transit and Railroad Police (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

3,000

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$58,370
10% of workers earn the following or more$141,870
Workers on average earn$91,820

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Public Safety and Security4.9/5
  • Law and Government4.7/5
  • English Language4.4/5
  • Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
  • Transportation3.7/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Microsoft Active Server Pages ASPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

Crime mapping softwareIntegrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFISLaw enforcement information databasesMapInfo ProfessionalMapInfo StreetProNational Crime Information Center (NCIC) databaseSmugMug FlickrWeb browser software

Tools & Equipment

35 millimeter camerasAutomated external defibrillators AEDBiohazard suitsBiological hazard detectorsBreathalyzersCardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR face shieldsChemical hazard detectorsCrime scene tape measures