Cab cameras helping police...

Railroad Cameras Lead Police On Right Track
DALLAS, TX -- A new tool has been placed on freight trains traveling across North Texas. Another set of eyes are helping engine operators identify objects on the track, and assisting authorities in catching criminals. Trains are now being equipped with digital video cameras.
So far, Union Pacific has installed the cameras on 20 percent of its fleet.
One of these cameras recently caught a crime taking place in South Dallas, and now authorities are hoping that someone can identify the three teens seen in the video, responsible for sending a conductor to the hospital.
The incident occurred around 21:00 on Jul14, when the operators of a train noticed something on the track between Scyene Rd. and 2nd St. in South Dallas. It was the teenagers in question, one directly on the track and the two others on either side.
"The conductor stuck his head out and apparently one of the teenagers threw a rock, or a brick, and hit him in the face," said Capt. Jim Beach, Union Pacific Police Department.
The thrown object knocked out several of the conductor's teeth and left him with severe facial injuries. He is still at home recovering.
"This is a serious crime. This is not just kids playing on the tracks. First of all, they could get hurt playing chicken. That train cannot stop," Beach says. "The second thing is, they injured one of our employees to the point that he had to go to the hospital."
Operators say that they see people trespassing on the train tracks everyday. "I've had things thrown at the engine, but I've always had the window closed," said conductor, Todd Cooley.
Police hope that someone will recognize the area, and the teens playing on the track, and help them solve this crime.
Crime Stoppers and Union Pacific are offering a $2000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and indictment of these teenagers. Anyone with information is being encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 877-373-TIPS (8477).
Union Pacific officials are hoping the new digital cameras will make things safer for everyone. "We'll be able to see what actually happens in crossing accidents and incidents like this where people playing chicken with the train, people throwing rocks at trains," Beach said. "Don't trespass; don't throw rocks at trains, because we're going to come after you." - Pam Harris, KTVT-CBS11, Dallas, TX

 

My prayers goes to the conductor's family. I hope that UPRR Police nab these !#$%^&*()_{}{}[];'/<> teenagers before they escalate to something fatal mg:

 

I've seen a video from these cams of a near-miss at a crossing. Scary stuff. They were put in for the purpose of helping to alleviate the burden of proof at grade crossing incidents and the entire road fleet is supposed to have cams by 1Q 2008. They are Black & White cameras due to the better contrast at night.

However they have had the side benefit of catching other collisions and derailments along with shady activities. So they have been even more beneficial than intended.