WSTA Transit Security Council Meeting
hosted by Kitsap Transit
Tuesday, June 12, 2007, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Kitsap Transit Conference Room

WSTA Transit Security Council Mission Statement

To review transit security information in an effort to advise Washington State Transit Agencies about training opportunities and the standardization of report procedures, codes of conduct, security plans, crime-reduction methods, and police/judicial cooperation.

 Attendees:
John Harkins, Pierce Transit
Michelle Parvinen, WSTA
Captain Dave Jutilla, Metro Transit Police
Sheldon Breaux, Kitsap Transit
Tracy Christianson, WSTIP
Phil Early, Intercity Transit
Robert Isaman, WA State Emergency Management
Roy Harrington, Operations Director Kitsap Transit
Chris Rankin, Department of Homeland Security

Absent Members:
Sgt. Phillip Nichols, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Dept.
Lt. Rodney Rochon, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Dept.
Chuck Cox, King County Metro
Mike Burris, Community Transit
Rod Baker, Pierce Transit
James Tompkins, Department of Homeland Security
Don Burr, Community Transit
Roland Bradley, Metro Transit
Robert Muzzy, Whatcom Transportation Authority
Joan Cormany, Pierce Transit
Barb Savary, WSDOT
Ken Cummins, Sound Transit
Dave Fairbanks, King County Metro
Jim Dusevoir, Amtrak Transit Police
Ray Hawkins, Pierce Transit
Geoffrey Getchman, Seattle Police Department
Sgt. Dave Redding, Pierce County Sheriff’s Dept.

Minutes Taken By:
Sheldon Breaux, Kitsap Transit

Call to Order:
Roll call was made, followed by a welcome introduction by Roy Harrington of Kitsap Transit. 

Bomb Threat in Bremerton
Roy shared the most recent bomb threat experienced by Washington State Ferry System in Bremerton and how it impacted Kitsap Transit's service. 

The Bremerton Ferry Terminal and Bremerton Transportation Center was evacuated for two hours as there was a suspicious package (possible explosive device with a cell phone) on the ferry.  There was also a suspicious vehicle in the ferry waiting lanes.  A debrief meeting of this incident is scheduled with the Washington State Ferry, Washington State Patrol and Kitsap Transit for Friday June 15th to discuss off-site bus staging areas and other law enforcement actions.

Bob Isaman shared that bomb sniffing dogs from Coleman Dock support the Washington State Patrol and perform duties at the Bremerton Ferry Terminal several times a week.  Some Washington State Patrol Officers use bicycles to patrol. 

Dave Jutilla shared that grant dollars can be used for bomb sniffing dogs and handlers.  KC Metro Police works with the Seattle Police Department in that regard.   There are extensive random patrols in the transit tunnel and at major transit facilities.

Bob Isaman stated it was a good idea to have Washington State Patrol discuss bomb sniffing dogs procedures on a need to know basis with transit.  The main focus is on Coleman Dock for now.

Bus System Safety & Security Conference 
Tracey Christianson and Michelle Parvinen summarized the Bus Safety and Security Conference planning to date.  75 attendees are needed - the more the better.   There are 26 transit agencies in Washington State, plus some non-profit organizations.  We don't expect to receive very many out-of-state attendees.

Registered attendance to date is only 40.  Members of this committee should make direct phone contact with other agencies in the State to encourage attendance.  Efforts are continuing to acquire additional vendors for the conference.

Bob Isaman mentioned some difficulty with the 'check links' in the emails already sent by WSTIP.  Tracey and Michelle will check into it and resolve the problem.  

Dave Jutilla mentioned that the next Bus Safety and Security Conference Planning Meeting, at WSTIP, is scheduled for June 26, 2007 at 0900.   

Sheldon Breaux shared that the selected Round Table Topics at the conference will center around Safety, Security, Suspicious Packages and Suspicious Persons/Behavior at transit agencies. He stated that NTI DVD's and Safety and Security Pamphlets have been procured by the hundreds to hand out at the Bus Safety and Security Conference.

Grant Money for Safety Equipment 
Phil Early discussed grant dollars for cameras on buses, security equipment (but not for staffing), vehicle locator systems, dispatcher monitoring the CCTV system and transit police use at Intercity Transit.

Bob Isaman Shared that for DHS grants, an agency must be eligible before an application is submitted.

Chris Rankin DHS has materials and brochures available free for transit agencies.

Proposed Municipal & County Code Changes
Dave Jutilla discussed legislative issues regarding municipal and county codes on Smoking, Unruly Behavior and Prohibited Weapons.  Each of these important issues needs to be updated.   New sections need to address Gang Colors and Clothing, along with Behaviors and Activities related to Gangs.

Chris Rankin suggested having a separate RCW for transit.  

Radio Systems
Dave Jutilla discussed Radio Systems - old 800mhz analog vs. new 700mhz digital technology.

Phil Early discussed their new Intercity Transit radio system and the Orbital Dispatching System.  Phil offered to host the next WSTA Security Council Meeting at Intercity Transit in Olympia on August 14, 2007 from 1000 - 1200.  A tour of the radio system will take place after the meeting.

This meeting adjourned at 11:52 AM

If you would like more information about this committee, please contact one of the officers or Michelle Parvinen at WSTA 360.786.9734, 2629 12th Court SW, Olympia, WA 98502-1118, or email michelle@watransit.com