MARTA to Conduct Operation Hack-o-Ween Police Exercise on Nov. 1

MARTA to Conduct Operation Hack-o-Ween Police Exercise on Nov. 1

The MARTA Police Department is staging a simulated full-scale exercise, dubbed “Operation Hack-o-Ween,” at the Chamblee MARTA station. The purpose of the exercise is to evaluate response capabilities in the event of an emergency situation.

This annual training exercise and drill provides the opportunity for MPD, MARTA staff and other emergency response agencies to address simulated incidents-- such as terrorist attacks--pandemics or natural disasters in real-life settings.

Rail service will be temporarily suspended north of the Brookhaven Station on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. All Gold Line trains will terminate service at the Brookhaven Station, and a bus bridge will be in effect to transport customers from the Brookhaven to the Doraville station. Customers should plan to park at the Brookhaven or Lindbergh stations.

To accommodate MARTA’s full-scale emergency exercise, customers should have their vehicles removed from the north parking lot of the Chamblee Station by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. The lot will become available at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1.

Emergency vehicles will be on-site and running, with responders simulating normal responses. Residents in the vicinity of the station may hear loud noises, combined with light and smoke in the area. The use of sirens and public address systems will be limited to reduce the overall level in the neighborhood surrounding Chamblee Station.

MARTA is serving as a test location for a joint TSA exercise, which is designed to enhance security capabilities, build partnerships and gain valuable insights into transportation security.

This year’s emergency drill is being conducted in coordination with the TSA, the FBI, police departments representing the following jurisdictions: Brookhaven, Chamblee, DeKalb County and Doraville and other local partners.

The Federal Transit Authority and the Department of Homeland Security require that transit agencies of MARTA’s size conduct these training exercises to evaluate plans and response capabilities in the event of an actual emergency situation.

Media Information: Media interested in covering the exercise should contact Alisa Jackson at 404.848.5157 (office), 404.804.1717 (cell) or ajackson2@itsmarta.com as soon as possible to make arrangements.

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