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. 

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.”

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.