Transit Police are actively involved in protecting Metro passengers, Metro infrastructure, and the local communities from terrorist threats. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the 2004 Madrid train bombings, and the July 7, 2005 London subway bombings, and periodically since, members of the Metro Transit Police Special Response Team conduct security sweeps of the rail system while armed with special weapons systems, H&amp;K MP5 submachine guns and supported by explosive ordnance detection K-9 teams. Additionally, the department has a dedicated explosive disposal team. The department frequently assists local and federal departments and agencies with K-9 and EOD resources.