Urban Shield Enables Regional First Responders to Exercise their Core Competencies

Metrolink partnered with Amtrak in the fourth annual Urban Shield Training event Oct. 15 through 19 in Oakland, CA. Urban Shield enables regional first responders to exercise their core competencies through scenario-based training. Regional multi-agency, multi-disciplinary training exercises are offered to first responders in various exercises including rail and transit. These exercises provide opportunities to enhance response efforts and identify training needs in a simulated environment.


Approximately 30 SWAT teams competed, including international teams from Israel, Jordan and Bahrain. Metrolink Security Manager Jesus Ojeda provided safety briefings for the simulation involving a passenger trains being hijacked by terrorists to several teams, including the winning team from the State of Israel National Police. The Metrolink Media Relations team also attended and were able to work with several first responders to determine the best way to communicate and gather information during these types of crisis situations.