[Scan-DC] Amtrak Corporate Guidelines on Photography and Video Recording

[Alan Henney]

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Amtrak Corporate Guidelines on Photography and Video Recording

Section I. Policy

The taking of photographs and/or videos is permitted within public
access areas on Amtrak property and as otherwise stated in Section
III.

In emergency and/or special circumstances (for example, declared
elevation of Homeland Security Advisory System to High or Severe -
orange and red) and where actions are deemed suspicious or
inconsistent with this policy by observing/reporting persons,
photographers and videographers may be approached and questioned to
determine if further investigation or action is necessary.

Photography and video recording within restricted areas are
prohibited. Individuals found in a restricted area will be subject to
investigation and possible arrest and seizure of photography and/or
video recording equipment may occur pursuant to the arrest. This
policy applies in all circumstances, including where Amtrak may be
promoting a photography contest or event.

Section II. Definitions

Commercial and Special Photography. Photography that requires explicit
authorization from Amtrak and includes engagements for commercial gain
or profit such as, movie films, commercial television productions, and
photography for commercial advertisements.

Photography. Photography shall mean the taking of moving and/or still
images.

Public Area. An area open to general public access and occupancy
(station areas and platforms for ticketed passengers only) that is not
otherwise posted or restricted by posted signs or locking devices.
Signage, building design and physical barriers, i.e. fencing,
bollards, etc., may also distinguish a public area from a restricted
area.

Restricted Area. A restricted area is any area not open to or occupied
by the public, or is open to or occupied by the public on a limited
basis. Signage, building design and physical barriers, i.e. fencing,
bollards, etc., may also distinguish a restricted area from a public
area.

Restricted areas include but are not limited to the following:

Platforms (ticketed passengers are exempt)
Crew and Employee Work Areas
Maintenance Facilities
Unoccupied Trains and Engines
Office Areas
Employee Elevators
Baggage/Delivery Areas
Commissaries
Right of Way and Track Areas
In service train cars
Section III. Exceptions

Commercial and Special Photography. Prior arrangements must be made
with Amtrak's Real Estate Department at (215) 349-1612 for approval.
News Photography. Members of the news media are entitled to the same
access for photography purposes as the general public. News media may
request additional access by contacting the Amtrak Media Relations
Office, 202-906-3860. Amtrak recommends that members of the news media
present valid press credentials when they film (print and video
photography) in the public areas at Amtrak's stations and strongly
encourages the news media to contact Amtrak's Media Relations Office
in advance to facilitate and ensure appropriate access, particularly
at major Amtrak stations. As a courtesy, Media Relations
Representatives will frequently issue a letter or accompany news media
in the Northeast, Chicago and California regions. It is understood
that during breaking news events advance contact with Amtrak's Media
Relations Office may not be possible.
Ticketed Passengers on platforms may photograph or video record during
the time they are preparing to board or immediately after alighting
from a train. Equipment is limited to hand-held devices. Such
photography, including equipment set-up will be done in a reasonable,
safe and timely manner.
Ticketed passengers on board trains may take photos or video record on
a train when it does not interfere with passengers or crew and in
accordance with any directions given by Amtrak onboard train
personnel.
Other photography or video recording not covered by this policy
requires advance approval from the area Amtrak Station Manager.
Section IV. Law Enforcement

Amtrak Police and Security personnel may approach photographers and
videographers upon a complaint from a member of the public or Amtrak
personnel that the activity is suspicious in nature, or based upon
their own observation that the activity is suspicious in nature or
inconsistent with this policy.

Amtrak Police and Security Personnel will advise the individual that
an inquiry is being conducted for security purposes. Amtrak Police and
Security personnel will follow established departmental regulations in
this area.
Nothing in this policy limits or expands the authority of Amtrak
police officers to initiate and pursue investigations, perform a pat
down or frisk based upon reasonable suspicion, and/or conduct searches
based upon probable cause or any recognized exception to the probable
cause requirement in accordance with all legal authority. But the
taking of photographs and/or video may not, in and of itself, rise to
the level of reasonable suspicion or probable cause.