Bus Drivers Get Training to Search Suspicious Passengers

Israel’s bus drivers are being enlisted by the Transportation Ministry in the war against terror.

The Ministry will soon begin certifying drivers who have passed a special training course to search suspicious passengers.

The first class begins on Monday for Dan North operators, the ministry said.

The drivers will be authorized to perform body searches on passengers, examine their belongings, and hold them, if necessary, until police arrive. The certificates will enable them to demand the identification of passengers, including name, address and official identity card, the ministry said.

The drivers will also be able to confiscate knives or other weapons, according to the ministry.

During the first seminar on Monday, the Dan North drivers will undergo a short training session in self-defense, including physical exercises, the ministry said. At the seminar, they will study methods for identifying suspects, as well as learn how to handle explosives and suspicious objects. In addition, they will be briefed on the rights of, and obligations toward, passengers.

This article appeared in print on page 24 of the August 20th, 2014 edition of Hamodia.