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Transit and Railroad Police

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

SOC: 33-3052.00

Common Job Titles

  • Patrolman
  • Railroad Police
  • Railroad Police Officer
  • Transit 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

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $58,370. 25th percentile: U.S. $65,920. 50th percentile: U.S. $82,320. 75th percentile: U.S. $114,040. 90th percentile: U.S. $141,870. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word

Technology Skills

  • Crime mapping software
  • Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
  • Law enforcement information databases
  • MapInfo Professional
  • MapInfo StreetPro
  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
  • SmugMug Flickr
  • Web browser software

Tools & Equipment

  • 35 millimeter cameras
  • Automated external defibrillators AED
  • Biohazard suits
  • Biological hazard detectors
  • Breathalyzers
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR face shields
  • Chemical hazard detectors
  • Crime scene tape measures
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment