MARTA Sees Reduction in Crime

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Police Department (MPD) accomplished a reduction in violent crimes in 2022, according to the agency's news release.

In 2022, MPD reported a 17% reduction in Part 1 crimes (violent and property crimes), and a 42% reduction in operator assaults. Enforcement of MARTA’s Ride With Respect Program resulted in over 5,000 temporary or yearlong system suspensions for violators and over 70 permanent bans.

“The most important responsibility we have as a transit agency and our number one priority is keeping our customers and employees safe,” said Collie Greenwood, MARTA CEO. “To see such a dramatic reduction in violence against our operators and a decline in overall crime on the system, along with the recent state certification is further proof that the MARTA Police Department is one of the top law enforcement agencies in the state.” 

MPD saw a reduction in its employee vacancy rate. Increased officer visibility on trains through an overtime patrol program cleared railcars of thousands of loiterers and sleepers and connected homeless individuals with resources through the MARTA Hope Program. 

“We were able to add to our dedicated team of sworn officers and Field Protective Specialists in the past year and that has allowed us to put more people in more places,” said Scott Kreher, MARTA police chief. “From our uniformed, K-9, and more visible officers, to those in plain clothes or working undercover, rest assured, there is a MARTA police presence systemwide."

MPD also partners with fellow law enforcement agencies to provide additional officer visibility and security to the MARTA system and surrounding communities. MPD’s Central Precinct partnered with the Atlanta Police Department and Georgia State University law enforcement on a joint crime suppression detail.

Last year, they responded to 2,864 calls and made 91 arrests. A similar detail consisting of MARTA and Atlanta bicycle officers patrolled the Lindbergh area and answered 1,338 calls for service and made 160 arrests.

MPD recently achieved state law enforcement certification.