MENU
SEARCHThe partnership will increase police presence and MPD will be the first partner.
Beginning next week and continuing through June, MTPD officers will partner on patrols at stations and transit centers with police officers working on assignment from MPD.
Photo: WMATA
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metro GM/CEO Randy Clarke announced a new partnership between the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to enhance public safety and security on the transit system.
The partnership will increase police presence and MPD will be the first partner, according to WMATA's news release.
“We know that residents and visitors want to see a strong police presence in our community, and that’s what this partnership will allow us to provide,” said Bowser. “When police are in the community, people feel safer and our officers can respond faster. Hundreds of thousands of people use Metro every day to move around D.C., and now, they can expect to see more MPD officers out during their commutes.”
Beginning next week and continuing through June, MTPD officers will partner on patrols at stations and transit centers with police officers working on assignment from MPD, beginning with five stations within Washington, D.C.
“We appreciate Mayor Bowser’s leadership as our police departments work collaboratively to make our community safer,” said Clarke. “This partnership will allow transit police to ride more buses and trains.”
Two officers per station will conduct joint patrols to increase police visibility and response time, especially during rush hours. The first patrols, based on crime data, will be deployed at Metro Center, Gallery Place, Georgia Ave-Petworth, Congress Heights, and Union Station.
Metro will fund the extra patrols and expects to finalize agreements with additional police departments in other jurisdictions served by Metro, which will increase patrols at rail stations and on bus routes throughout the system by as much as 60%
“The safety of our community, whether on the street or in our transportation system, is a priority for MPD,” said chief Robert J. Contee, III of the MPD. “We know that healthy law enforcement partnerships within the District are an effective tool for public safety. This partnership between MTPD and MPD will allow us to work better together and ensure the safety of the residents and visitors in the District.”
In addition to increased safety measures, Metro said it continues to “Work Differently” through proactive community engagement initiatives.
MTPD expanded its “problem-solving police strategy” by hiring crisis intervention specialists who are trained to address mental health crises and increasing officers’ presence on Metrobus and Metrorail under Operation “Helping Hands.” The model focuses on addressing the root cause of an issue and providing ways to address it. Police visibility, enforcement activities, and enhanced community relations programs are crime-reduction strategies to make Metro safer.
Safe and Secure: Transit Agencies Push for Community Improvement
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 →
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 →
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 →
Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.
Read More →
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 →
Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.
Read More →
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 →
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 →
The approved contract modification will increase funding for transit security officer services to a total not-to-exceed amount of $32.1 million, ensuring a continued and visible security presence across DART’s buses, trains, stations, and facilities.
Read More →
Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide.
Read More →
