METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Portland Police Return to TriMet Transit Police for the First Time Since 2020

Portland Police Bureau, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and Port of Portland Police Department additions increase Transit Police staffing to 31.

A Multnomah County transit police vehicle.

In addition to the PPB staff, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office recently added a lieutenant to Transit Police, and the Port of Portland Police Department added three more officers.

Photo: TriMet

2 min to read


TriMet and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office welcomed back the City of Portland and the Portland Police Bureau as members of the Transit Police Division during a recent joint news conference.

“As the largest city in TriMet’s service area, renewing our relationship with the City of Portland and the Portland Police Bureau is a benefit for TriMet, our riders, and the region,” TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. 

Ad Loading...

The City of Portland ended a previous agreement with TriMet in late 2020. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office became the law enforcement lead for Transit Police in 2021 and remains in that role.

“Welcoming the Portland Police Bureau back to Transit Police will increase our collective presence on the transit system, deterring crime, building trust, and reassuring riders,” Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell said. “It will also expand our capacity for high-visibility safety missions focused on areas of public concern or with higher rates of criminal activity.”

“Over the past year, Portland has seen a promising decrease in crime, with both property and violent offenses trending downward,” Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said. “That improvement is the result of collaboration, community engagement, and tireless work by our law enforcement partners. Bringing the Portland Police Bureau back into the Transit Police Division builds directly on this momentum and helps ensure riders feel safe and supported.”

Joint Law Enforcement Effort Rebuilds TriMet Transit Police Presence

TriMet is contracting with the City of Portland for five PPB officers and one sergeant to serve on the Transit Police.

“The Portland Police Bureau is proud to rejoin Transit Police to help ensure the safety and security of our community on and around the transit system,” PPB Chief Bob Day said. “As our city continues to grow and evolve, a collaborative police presence on public transportation is essential. We look forward to working alongside our partners to support safe and reliable transit for all.”

Ad Loading...

In addition to the PPB staff, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office recently added a lieutenant to Transit Police, and the Port of Portland Police Department added three more officers. 

“The more we’re able to collaborate across agencies, the better we can serve our community, ensure safety, and maintain a consistent presence throughout the TriMet system,” Port of Portland Public Safety & Security Director Beverly Pearman said.

The Transit Police Division will have 31 active officers with the return of PPB to the unit and the recent increase of law enforcement personnel from MCSO and the Port of Portland Police Department. Other members of the Transit Police include the Beaverton and Hillsboro police departments. TriMet pays the fully burdened rate for the law enforcement personnel assigned to Transit Police. 

More Security and Safety

Three officers pose in front of a cruiser and sign that says Alvarado.

ABQ RIDE’s Transit Safety ‘Headed in the Right Direction’

See how the New Mexico agency’s quarterly report reaffirms its commitment to security and data transparency.

Read More →
King County Metro's bus depot with Schunk Transit pantograph charging infrastructure.

Biz Briefs: King County Metro Taps Schunk Transit Systems for Charging and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
A TTC railcar vehicle
Security and Safetyby StaffMay 13, 2026

Toronto Introduces Body Cameras for Select Station Staff to Enhance Security

The phased introduction of the cameras for station staff follows the successful rollout of the devices with TTC Special Constables and Provincial Offenses Officers in January 2025.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An NJ TRANSIT bus.
Managementby StaffMay 13, 2026

NJ TRANSIT to Expand Cleanliness, Safety, and Accessibility Under New Action Plan

The plan includes investments in cleaner vehicles and upgraded stations, NJT LiveView to provide real-time GPS tracking of train and light rail service, enhanced safety initiatives through a new Real Time Crime Center, and the debut of a redesigned NJ TRANSIT mobile app.

Read More →
A bus operator behind the wheel
Security and Safetyby StaffMay 12, 2026

Assaults on Transit Workers Rise, Prompting Calls for Stronger Safety Measures

New research from MTI shows a sharp increase in attacks on public-facing transit employees, with North America accounting for a significant share and bus drivers among the most affected.

Read More →
A Waev Gem vehicle with a ramp deployed.

ABC Teams with Waev, Knorr-Bremse in Boston Top Biz Briefs

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Denver RTD Police's BRIT team
Security and Safetyby StaffMay 5, 2026

Denver RTD Transit Police launch Bus and Rail Impact Team

BRIT patrols are over and above those already occurring within the district. For example, the agency experienced three copper wire thefts along the G Line in April, followed by others later in the month and in early May.

Read More →
transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of disaster in neighborhood near a highway
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanApril 30, 2026

How the Motorcoach Industry Supports Disaster Response and National Preparedness

Fred Ferguson, president and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA), discussed how the industry prepares for emergencies, the growing recognition of motorcoaches as critical infrastructure, and steps operators can take to strengthen disaster readiness.

Read More →