Yesterday, I saw three Amtrak police officers, each with a car, in Martinez, Calif. for the first time. They were at the Amtrak train station and had all the lights on their cars flashing while they stood around and talked with a Union Pacific police officer. As I approached them to talk, the U.P. officer departed.

I am wondering why they are here in the west at all. They have their own trains and passengers to protect but they said they do not ride the trains. The railroad that has the property and ALL trains to protect is the U.P. which has its own police in addition to local police. In the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak Police have Amtrak's own property and tracks to protect. I asked them if they have a regular beat to work. The answer seemed to be that it was Chicago and everywhere. I asked them if they drove the cars all the way here from Chicago and they answered in the affirmative. I didn't ask if they live out of suitcases on the road all the time.

It seems to me that they are a duplicated effort here in the western states and a waste of funds that Amtrak could put to better use.

What say anyone else?