Amtrak Police perform certain functions since the fatal event involves an Amtrak train, but our usual role is in support of the investigation being led by state or local authorities.  There are several reasons for this approach with the main ones being that state law usually confers jurisdiction to the state or local agency to conduct the investigation, assigns state medical examiners or coroners the authority to determine cause of death and, as a practical matter in most circumstances, the state and local police arrive on the scene before Amtrak Police.

As a result of these experiences, Amtrak Police defers and provides support to the state and local law enforcement investigation, and thus, we do not publicly release information regarding the individual. In addition, Amtrak is often not made aware of when local authorities notify next of kin.  Further, state and local authorities publicly release this information when they so choose and they do so without guidance from or interaction with Amtrak Police.

Regarding the recent Aberdeen trespass incident, Amtrak Police has contacted the Aberdeen Police Department and confirmed that they are the lead investigating agency.  If you have not already made contact with them, please call their Public Information Officer. . . .

We appreciate the concern and attention you are bringing to the trespass issue.

Steve Kulm
Director, Media Relations
Amtrak

Mr. Kulm's note is welcome, as is the release of the information Thursday by the Aberdeen Police. Let's hope this misunderstanding leads  to a clarification of protocols so that local police agencies  aren't left under the impression they have been superseded by Amtrak Police in their normal release of information. Amtrak also needs to make sure that when it refers inquiries to another agency that it does so in a timely and accurate manner.