Washington Metro Begins Random Bag Inspections

The Metro Transit Police Department has begun a bag inspection program in an effort to protect Metro riders, employees and facilities. Inspections will be random, unannounced and focused on detecting explosives. The dates, times, and locations of security inspections will not be announced in advance. Large red and white signs have been posted at Metrorail station entrances informing riders about the potential of inspections. Here's how it will work. Riders who are randomly selected will be taken off to the side and will be asked to open their carry-on items. Individuals who refuse to have their bags inspected will not be allowed to ride Metro and will be free to leave the system with their items.

What do you think about random bag inspections on Metro? I think they are a reasonable way to handle security without being too disruptive to the efficiency of daily transit. If every passenger were screened the process would be very cumbersome and would make public transit really slow and annoying. The possibility of a random inspection should deter anyone from carrying on explosives or other hazardous materials. If the Police find other illegal items such as drugs or illegal weapons they will be confiscated and the passenger will be arrested. A similar program has been operating in New York City. I think this is a good idea and I'm surprised it's taken Metro so long to give passengers some added security.