LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Monday, December 24, 2001

SFGate.com

Editor -- Regarding BART's participation with the U.S. Customs Service in a three-day demonstration using a drug-detection canine on the BART system: Our highest priority at BART is the safety and security of the system. That mandate has never been more visible than it is in the current environment.

BART police continue to enforce against lesser violations of the law, including fare evasion, playing loud music or eating, drinking and smoking on trains or platforms. Maintaining a positive "quality of life" within BART sends a strong message that more serious violations of law will not be tolerated. However, these efforts are not the highest priority.

From time to time, BART police participate in joint operations with state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. In preparation for opening BART service to San Francisco International Airport, BART police are coordinating more closely with the Customs Service.

The three-day demonstration aimed at helping officers of each agency to learn how the other operates. We have no plan to institutionalize this program involving use of a Customs narcotics-detecting dog.

BART has had specific problems from time to time with narcotics, and has worked with other agencies to help make our stations free of drugs. Through Oct. 31 of this year, BART police had made 190 narcotics arrests and issued 151 marijuana citations.

BART police honor Proposition 215, the California medical marijuana initiative. BART officers recognize the proper identification for prescription use of marijuana.

THOMAS E. MARGRO

BART general manager

Oakland