Practices to Protect Bus Operators from Passenger Assault (2011) / Chapter Skim
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Pages 48-57
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From page 48... ...
Self-defense training and tools provide bus operators with a protection measure that is immediately available to the operator during an attack. No matter how fast responders arrive on the scene, even a few minutes can be enough to cause significant injury to the operator.
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From page 49... ...
It was initiated by the transit industry in 2007 based on a CUTA survey that showed that qualified bus operator candidates were being screened out using existing hiring techniques. The STRADA system was developed with the input of many transit human resources professionals and extensive research across North America to eliminate bias or discrimination in the hiring process.
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From page 50... ...
• Bicycle and motorcycle patrols -- In crowded locations and congested streets, the increased mobility of the bike or motorcycle patrol officer allows faster response to calls for assistance by the bus operator. • Canine patrol -- Some agencies utilize highly trained canine units for mobile patrols along designated bus routes.
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From page 51... ...
SELF-DEFENSE TOOLS As of the time of this report and as far as the contractor team is aware, the only agency in the United States and Canada issuing self-defense tools to bus operators is the Houston METRO. Houston METRO has been issuing pepper gel and providing training on its use to its operators on a voluntary basis.
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From page 52... ...
The pepper gel is to be used for defensive purposes only, and operators must make every effort to neutralize or avoid potentially violent situations through verbal and nonverbal tactics, including retreat, before using the tool. Metro Transit, Minneapolis, Minnesota Metro Transit offers pepper spray training to its bus operators who choose to carry pepper spray.
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From page 53... ...
This self-defense training has been taught by Pierce Transit instructors not only to Pierce Transit bus operators but to operators at several other transit agencies as well. Transit Authority of River City, River City, Kentucky Self-defense training is provided by a martial arts and tae kwan do instructor who works as a contractor for TARC.
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From page 54... ...
Calgary Transit, Alberta, Canada Calgary Transit's "Out of the Blue" course objective is to provide operators with the skills to create a safe and secure workplace by recognizing and managing conflict. The course elements are perspective, recognition, understanding, and support/follow-up.
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From page 55... ...
A bus operator trained in verbal judo or de-escalation techniques can calm a hostile customer and defuse a potentially violent situation. Bus operators need to know and understand how to apply agency rules and regulations.
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From page 56... ...
and questions of effectiveness of the techniques associated with use of behavioral assessment have been raised, consulting the transit agency's legal counsel is essential. TCRP Report 86, Volume 13, Public Transportation Passenger Security Inspections: A Guide for Policy Decision Makers contains a section discussing the legal implications of behavioral assessment.
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From page 57... ...
Pinellas Transit, St. Petersburg, Florida Since February 2010, TO SPOT behavioral assessment training has been provided to new Pinellas Transit bus operators by the University of Tennessee.
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