A Canadian Pacific police constable interviewed by the media - Date/Photographer unknown.

29 April 2012

Canadian Pacific Police Services Focuses on Trespassing and Awareness During Rail Safety Week

Calgary Alberta - During Rail Safety Week in Canada, 30 Apr 2012 to 6 May 2012, the Canadian Pacific Police Service (CPPS) will be reminding the public about the importance of rail safety by taking their message to the streets in the communities where we operate.
 
CPPS officers across the country will be conducting more than 100 education and enforcement activities. In conjunction with Operation Lifesaver, a partnership program with Transport Canada and the Railway Association of Canada, this year's Rail Safety Week focus is to educate people on situation awareness and distractions, and the seriousness of trespassing on railway property.
 
"Canadian Pacific has an industry-leading safety record, and the safety of CP employees and the communities where the company operates are our top priorities," said Canadian Pacific Police Chief Ivan McClelland. "Stay Alert, Stay Alive, is the message our officers will be taking to the public in light of the number of unfortunate trespasser fatalities on railway properties in the early stages of 2012. We want people to understand the devastating impact this has on the families, railway employees, and their communities."
 
In 2011, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) recorded 169 crossing accidents, resulting in 25 fatalities and 21 serious injuries. Crossing fatalities increased one percent across Canada last year. The TSB also recorded 67 trespasser incidents, resulting in 45 fatalities and 21 serious injuries. Trespasser fatalities increased 82 percent since 2010. These numbers do not include the many near collisions that take place every year.
 
Train tracks and railway property are not for public use. People trespassing on railway property or failing to yield the right-of-way to an approaching train at a crossing risk death or serious injury. Both actions are criminal offences under the federal Rail Safety Act or applicable provincial legislation. Offences occurring at crossings and on railway property can be reported to the CPPS at 1-800-716-9132 or to local police.
 
About Canadian Pacific Police Service
 
The Canadian Pacific Police Service is a police agency created by Federal Statute with full federal and provincial powers. CPPS officers are peace officers as defined by the Criminal Code. The CPPS plays an important role in public safety and enforcement in the communities where Canadian Pacific operates. CPPS officers typically promote public safety through trespasser abatement patrols, enforcement of traffic legislation at railway crossings, and participation in education activities to raise awareness of community safety issues. The CPPS also help to protect the critical infrastructure of Canada and the US by ensuring supply chain security and ensuring the operational efficiency of the transportation network.