列車内で事件対応訓練 県警とＪＲ連携

Following a series of violent crimes at stations and on trains, including a stabbing on a Keio Line express train traveling through Chofu City, Tokyo, the prefectural police and JR conducted an incident response drill using an actual train on the 24th at the Tsuchiura Transportation District in Kohoku, Tsuchiura City. Scenarios ranged from guiding passengers to safety to police apprehension of the perpetrator, and participants confirmed actions to protect passengers' lives. The prefectural police emphasized, "We will conduct drills under a variety of scenarios and respond appropriately." The drill was organized at the request of JR by the prefectural police following a series of incidents on Tokyo's subways and private railways since August. The prefectural police, Tsuchiura Police Station, and JR East Mito Branch cooperated, with approximately 140 participants, including from other railway companies. The drill began with a five-car local train, with passengers playing the role of a police officer playing the role of a perpetrator, pulling out a knife and yelling loudly while passengers sat in each car on a stopped train. The passengers fled to the next car while keeping their distance from the suspect, and one of them pressed the SOS button inside the car to contact the conductor. After explaining the situation, the conductor called 110, and while protecting himself with his bag, entered the car where the suspect was and evacuated the passengers. The doors were locked to trap the suspect, and three police officers who arrived in a patrol car used protective batons and batons to secure the suspect's custody. After the training, Ogawa Hiroyuki, counselor and head of the regional police department of the prefectural police, pointed out, "In a real situation, it is expected that passengers will panic. It is important that the crew can buy time in the limited time they have and ensure the safety of passengers." Kimura Mitsuyoshi, chief of Tsuchiura Police Station, said, "We are promoting 'visible vigilance' by having police officers ride on trains and patrol stations. We hope to work together with railways and public institutions." Shigetada Kawano, stationmaster at JR Tsuchiura Station, said, "We have equipped our staff with stab-proof vests and batons and are conducting training. We ask all passengers to remain calm and press the SOS button."