msmemory_archive | Papers, bitte

I just perused the MBTA web site. No such generalized announcement was made. I searched the Boston Globe web site - no such comment. I checked archives of press releases - no such release. The original article says it happened ONE TIME - it does not cite a pattern of such sweeps.

I can certainly see and understand why a one-time or rare sweep of that sort was done. If it became a pattern I'd be up against the barricades. But let's not get too hasty, too quickly.

Why not write to the MBTA General Manager (gm@mbta.com) and ask him about it? Or write to one of the columnists in the Globe, or to the City Desk?

Well, for one thing, it's already required on airlines. John Gilmore's making a name (and nuisance of) for himself out of protesting this, but it's an important point he is raising.

A little blurb from NECN:

MBTA To Institute ID System
(5/22/04 7:50 a.m.) The MBTA is going to start checking passenger ID’s on rail and subway systems as part of a new security plan. The Boston Globe says MBTA police will start asking passengers for identification and question them about their activities.

Unfortunately their site doesn't offer good linking possibilities (i.e., that wants to pop up a javascript window).

A writeup in the Boston Globe has slightly more details.

I cannot find an official statement on the MBTA website.

This *will* be happening. Unless they're pulling a good one over on their readers.

The Globe had an article in which it was announced that Troop F had finished their training and was about to commence making identification stops.

OK, my mistake. (Why didn't I check Google News first?

Here are some confirming articles

Now I'm pissed.

Perhaps the rash amongst us would like to know about document by the ACLU called "KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: What To Do If Questioned By Police, FBI, Customs Agents or Immagration Officers". While mostly aimed at immigrants, it contains the following advice:

Q: What if the police stop me on the street?
A: Ask if you are free to go. If the answer is yes,
consider just walking away. If the police say you
are not under arrest, but are not free to go, then
you are being detained. The police can pat down
the outside of your clothing if they have reason to
suspect you might be armed and dangerous. If
they search any more than this, say clearly,
“I do not consent to a search.” They may keep
searching anyway. You do not need to answer any
questions if you are detained or arrested.

Q: What if police stop me in my car?
A: Keep your hands where the police can see
them. You do not have to consent to a search. But
if the police have probable cause to believe that
you have been involved in a crime or that you have
evidence of a crime in your car, your car can be
searched without your consent. Clearly state that
you do not consent. Officers may separate
passengers and drivers from each other to
question them and compare their answers, but
no one has to answer any questions.

It seems to me that an ID check on the train is inefficient. Yes, someone could bring explosives on the train, but that someone could also hop off the platform and deposit them up in the tunnel somewhere. The place to check IDs (or to scan the crowds for something wrong) is at the turnstyles, where entry is more or less slow and orderly, and before someone is into the stations and tunnels.

I still don't like the ID check. But the method seems to continue reinforcing to me that there is a BIG difference between real effective measures, and measure which are meant to be seen publically to make people feel better. And its those latter which are most intrusive to law-abiding citizens.

Of course on the green line, they are stuck checking in the cars, as the majority of Green line stops are open air locations, on the side of the road, with no turnstiles. :)

*slaps self on head* Of course. It's been quite a while since I rode the T regularly.

Papers, bitte

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