"On Guard" Program Recognizes Employees Who Enhance Security

The Resource Protection Solutions Team (RPST) has rolled out BNSF On Guard to recognize employees who protect BNSF's resources, people and facilities. The program will be administered by local RPST crime prevention specialists, who will give alert employees an On Guard pin, and report the action for inclusion in articles in BNSF Today.

"Security has become everyone's business. Because of heightened security status, Americans are being asked to be the 'eyes and ears' for law enforcement," says John Clark, assistant vice president, Resource Protection Solutions Team. "At BNSF, Resource Protection Solutions continues to educate employees on work, personal and home security, as well as working to change employee behavior to become more aware of security risks and breakdowns. As part of this effort, employees are being asked to report suspicious persons or acts across the BNSF system."

Examples of "On Guard" behavior include reporting security violations; checking someone's identification, such as official credentials; preventing "tailgating" through secured doors or areas; going beyond the job to check security of trains, loads or facilities; reporting trespassers; and reporting crimes in progress on BNSF property. Report all suspicious activities, individuals and trespassers to (1-800) 832-5452.

One employee was "On Guard" recently when two Fort Worth RPST members decided to try an unofficial "sting" operation at the Fort Worth headquarters campus. Their mission: see if an employee would allow them into the building without proper identification or security access cards. A mailroom stock clerk in Fort Worth, not only did not let them into the building, but she also reported them to the Resource Operations Call Center (ROCC).

According to the employee, who asked the men for identification before opening the door, "I did not recognize them. One said he left his access card in the car. The other one just showed me his California police badge. But, how would I know if they were real or fake? Even then, if he was a visitor, he should have been displaying a visitor's badge."

Want to read related award articles? If you have a question about the program you can call BNSF Protection Solutions representative Mike Ingle at 817-224-7035.