35 Years as a Railroad Cop: Paul Miller’s Wild Stories from the Tracks

Video Description

🎥 Episode 122 In this captivating full-length interview, retired Railroad Police Officer Paul Miller recounts his incredible 35-year career investigating crimes on the rails—from catching thieves hiding in the weeds to chasing suspects through train yards with no backup or gun. Starting as a New Orleans Police Cadet in the 1970s, Paul rose to become a respected railroad special agent, patrolling yards, conducting high-stakes surveillance, and taking down criminals across Louisiana. His stories span history, crime, and law enforcement—from Pinkerton detectives to modern-day train robbers. 💬 Learn about railroad policing history, undercover operations, hobo culture, and how rail cops protect billions in freight—even military weapons. To find out more visit: www.therailroadpolice.com. 📌 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real-life stories from law enforcement professionals. 🔔 Subscribe for more law enforcement insights and true crime stories! To watch more interviews with retired and active duty cops and law enforcement, watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@reasonsweserve ⏱️ YouTube Chapters & Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Midnight Surveillance and Catching Criminals 01:03 – Starting with New Orleans Police at 18 02:07 – Joining the Railroad Police: First Impressions 04:00 – Learning Surveillance in the Dark with “Toby” 06:30 – How to Catch Train Burglars at Interchanges 09:25 – Chasing a Suspect Without a Gun 14:10 – Laying in the Weeds for a Cigarette Theft Bust 17:26 – History of Railroad Police: From 1849 to Pinkertons 21:50 – The First Train Robbery & How Pinkerton Solved It 24:10 – The Bandit Hunters & Early Railroad Law Enforcement 26:00 – How Freight and Passenger Trains Evolved 28:00 – Hobos, Gutter Punks, and Dangerous Riders 31:10 – Surprising Cargo: Guns, Military Gear, and Night Vision 33:00 – How Railroad Police Are Trained 35:50 – Legendary Burglary Case Solved by Local Detective 38:50 – Massive Fuel Fraud Case: $10M Stolen from the Railroad 44:00 – From Paperboy to Police Cadet 45:45 – The Tough NOPD Academy Experience 47:15 – Choosing the 5th District: Learning on the Streets 50:00 – Vice Squad: Gambling, Surveillance, and Going Undercover 52:30 – Why Paul Left NOPD After the 1979 Strike 54:20 – Hating the Railroad Job… Until It Clicked 56:30 – Learning the Art of Detection from the Ground Up 59:00 – Why Modern Railroad Policing Isn’t What It Used to Be 01:02:20 – Executive Protection & Working Presidential Trains 01:04:43 – Is New Orleans as Dangerous as People Say? 01:06:00 – Unique Culture of New Orleans Law Enforcement 01:08:15 – How Law Enforcement Affected His Family & Views 01:10:34 – Seeing the Worst—and Best—of Humanity 01:14:20 – Would He Do It All Over Again?