Chicago’s Metra announced the creation of a new police unit whose primary mission is to patrol trains, providing a visible law enforcement presence and deterring criminal activity on all 11 Metra lines.
The new unit, made up of six full-time officers, will work on every line but will focus its efforts strategically on areas where the need is greatest. The officers will travel in uniform and plain clothes and will supplement the efforts of Metra police officers and detectives who are already patrolling trains and platforms. The officers will work to stop criminal behavior on trains, assist conductors and protect customers.
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“Our trains are already very safe, but this unit was created to add another level of security on our trains so our customers feel as safe and secure as possible,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno.
Last year, Metra Police conducted onboard patrols on 3,500 trains, up from 3,200 in 2014. The creation of this unit, the first time Metra has dedicated full-time resources to onboard patrols, will greatly increase those numbers.
“Even with these dedicated patrols, our officers can’t be everywhere,” said Metra Police Chief Joseph Perez. “That’s why we ask our customers to help us by being vigilant when traveling on Metra. If you see something, say something.”
Related: NYPD to beef up subway security after recent slashings
Metra embarked on a series of new initiatives last year aimed at making the Metra Police more efficient and responsive to the needs of the agency and its customers, including reducing overtime costs by assigning manpower based on shift activity level; assigning officers based on geographic area instead of rail line; regular training on criminal and traffic law, accident reconstruction and firearms; the implementation of field reporting using laptop computers and an overhaul of the agency’s police dispatch and reporting system.
The Plan is CTA's formal response to an FTA Special Directive issued in December and details how the agency will significantly expand the law enforcement surge it launched.
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
During a safety blitz, Metra employees will visit one of the railroad’s 243 stations during the morning rush hour, distributing educational materials on train and grade-crossing safety, answering questions, and listening to riders’ safety concerns.
Operated in partnership with Tech Valley Security, trained CDTA Ambassadors will be on select routes and will rotate throughout CDTA’s route network. Their presence is intended to provide customers with an approachable, visible resource focused on assistance and engagement.
Customers have always been able to report concerns through the CATS Customer Service line or the “Report a Problem to CATS” feature in the CATS-Pass mobile app; however, CATS has also integrated a Text-a-Tip line, giving riders multiple, easy-to-use channels to get support.
