by TChris

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has adopted "a permanent policy of randomly inspecting passenger bags and packages on subway and commuter trains." The policy takes effect next month. The MBTA is the first transit agency to implement a policy of random searches of bags and briefcases.

The policy was made public only weeks after the MBTA announced a controversial decision to begin requesting identification from T passengers police perceive as acting "suspiciously."

The MBTA says it will have dogs sniff the packages when trained dogs are present (they only have four), but will require passengers to open their containers when a dog isn't available.

Civil libertarians are concerned that no procedures are in place to assure that the searches are truly random.

Pamela Pratt, 46, a hospital supervisor from Randolph, said , "We all know who will be stopped -- black people like me or my brothers."

The MBTA's chief is in the process of finalizing the policy. He says he doesn't want to abridge anyone's rights, "but in this era, we need the highest degree of security." As do our civil liberties.