sarsnavy05 wrote:So based upon the previous conversations, it seems that the takeaway is that there's really no provision for train crew protection, unless specifically authorized by the company.
I thought this was kind of strange as a blanket policy considering the monetary value and potentially hazardous nature of railroad equipment and cargo.
For those companies that have special agents, their take is probably "let the cops handle it." And generally these days, theft of cargo or car/locomotive parts (traction motors, air brake valves, etc.) is generally done by "stealth and deception" (larceny/theft) rather than by use or threat of force (robbery). The Conrail Boyz put a lot of time and effort into stealing stuff, but I don't think they ever used violence.
That's not to say that none of the thieves would be armed, but management is very likely to be thinking "Let it go. It's not worth a lawsuit over someone--even a criminal--getting shot. The cargo is insured."
Not too many years ago on our local line, there was a vagrant who tried to hold up a freight crew with a pellet gun. They locked up the cab and looked at him through the windows. (Probably laughing at him.)
More for the sake of curiosity, rather than argument, is there anything in company policy that provides for employee safety in these cases?
Probably nothing more than "Stay in the locomotive cab. Close and lock doors and windows. Notify the dispatcher." One last part would probably either be "Wait for police response" or "Motor on out of there."
Personally, I've never worked anywhere that had a "no weapons on duty" policy, or ever addressed what employees should do if accosted. Other than the eejit with the pellet gun, this area is relatively free from the perils of real urban areas.