Chicago Police To Check Bags On Transit System

Chicago police officers will soon begin checking some passengers' bags for explosives as they enter train stations.

Starting Nov. 3, officers will select passengers at random at Chicago Transit Authority stations. Bags will be swabbed for explosives residue but will not be opened. The process takes about 30 seconds.
 
WBBM radio reports that funding comes from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The measure is not a result of any specific threat but is meant to guard against terrorist attacks. Similar screenings take place in New York, Washington and Los Angeles.
 
Cmdr. Nancy Lipman is in charge of the Police Department's public transportation unit.
 
She says anyone refusing to have their bag checked will be denied entry.