Elk Grove Railroad Track Pedestrian Safety Operation

Press release from Elk Grove Police Dept.

ELK GROVE, CA – On January 7, 2009, at 3:00 p.m., the Elk Grove Police Department and Union Pacific Railroad will be conducting a pedestrian safety sweep for trespassers along the railroad tracks located within the City of Elk Grove. Union Pacific train operators and Amtrak train operators have reported to their respective police department’s daily incidents of trespass activity along the railroad track right of way.

The pedestrian safety sweep will cover the railroad tracks that travel through downtown Elk Grove. The purpose of the safety sweep is to ensure that pedestrians do not utilize these railroad tracks (during the day or night) as “short cuts” to normal pedestrian/bicycle paths that are available. Railroad tracks are considered private property and are not to be used as walkways, jogging trails or bicycle paths. The enforcement campaign will have zero tolerance for right-of-way trespassers and anyone contacted and observed within 50 feet of railroad property will be issued a citation for Penal Code section 369(I), trespassing on railroad right-of-way misdemeanor.

Members of the media are welcome to attend a media briefing that will be held at Elk Grove Blvd. and Railroad Ave. at 3:00 p.m. Please direct any questions to Sergeant Mike Iannone, Traffic Unit Supervisor for the Elk Grove Police Department at (916) 478-8147.