In a message to ALL dated 06-06-97 MIKE MCCANN wrote:
 MM> with some Jeep Vherokees in the mix. These vehicles can be titled
 MM> anywhere in the US and Special Agents have federal+ authority with
 MM> basically the same arrest powers of any peacer officer in his
 MM> jurisdiction in any jurisdiction that the railrod has a business
 MM> interest in.
 Railroad Police ("special agents") do not have any "Federal
 authority" although those of railroads along the Mwexican border
 assist the Border Patrol (and vice versa) from time to time under
 unwritten agreements.
 Railroad Police are "commissioned" peace officers in the various
 states that they operate in, with powers varying according
 to state law.  In general, they have investigatory and
 enforcement (arrest) powers on the right of way and anywhere
 else for crimes committed against the railroad.  Each individual
 officer must have an individual commission in each state.
 Securing these commissions and their renewal is one of the main
 functions of the Chief Special Agent's office.
 (Above courtesy of a retired Chief Special Agent, Southern
 Pacific Railroad).
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