Did You Know That Railroad Police Exist In Minnesota + Wisconsin?

I was driving to the Nemadji Golf Course in Superior, Wisconsin yesterday and I was running late for my tee time. I noticed in the distance what looked to be a squad car, but it wasn't the normal city's squad car color. Instead, it was a white SUV.

I tapped my brakes to make sure I was under the speed limit, but I figured it was probably a railroad company vehicle, or maybe even the border patrol. (We sometimes see them in the Duluth / Superior harbor area.)

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When I drove by, I saw an emblem on the side of the car that said Railroad Police.

What? Railroad police? I didn't even know it was a thing. So that got me thinking! First, what do railroad police do, and second, can they pull me over?

Railroad Police Jurisdiction

Railroad police officers are granted authority under federal law to police laws related to railroad property, personnel, passengers, and cargo. With it being Federal, it crosses all state lines and gives them relatively broad jurisdiction.

They primarily have jurisdiction on railroad property, like rail yards, tracks, stations, and other private property owned by the railroad. It can be extended beyond the railroad property if an incident affects the railroad's operations, or even if it involves railroad employees, passengers, or property.

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Railroad Police Officer's Powers

A railroad police officer can arrest individuals who commit crimes on or near railroad property. They also can enforce laws related to theft, vandalism, trespassing, and other crimes.

In most cases, railroad police officers work with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, especially when the jurisdiction overlaps.

Railroad Police Officer Training

Railroad police officers in Minnesota and Wisconsin have specific requirements, training, and certification that is very similar to other law enforcement.