Metro’s new policy to randomly search riders’ bags for explosives is here to stay, according to the transit agency’s new chief executive officer.
Richard Sarles defended the policy that has come under attack from riders’ and civil libertarian groups, arguing on Tuesday that it helps to disrupt terrorists’ plans.
“It’s not as much about detection as it’s about deterrence,” he said in a interview on WTOP radio.
His comments came just days after Metro’s board of directors had asked for the policy to be discussed in an upcoming committee meeting. But Sarles’ statement made it seem like any such discussion won’t lead anywhere. He has the CEO title now, and with it is supposed to come less micro-managing from the board of directors.
The agency started the bag searches in December, immediately prompting controversy. Metro’s Riders’ Advisory Council called on the agency to stop the searches until the policy could be evaluated and a public hearing held. Two local civil liberties groups presented the board with a petition of more than 600 signatures against the bag search program. Both groups argue that the policy may violate riders’ rights and do little more than create “security theater.” They have said policing resources could be better used elsewhere.
