Last week, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced the appointment of Douglas Zeigler, a 37-year veteran of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), as its director of security.

Zeigler began his law enforcement career in 1973 and served in a variety of positions including chief of the Community Affairs Bureau, chief of the Organized Crime Control Bureau, chief of the Housing Bureau and Borough Commander for Patrol Borough Queens North. He retired from NYPD in June 2010.

"The safety and security of the millions of people who use our transit system every day is our top priority, and Chief Zeigler is uniquely qualified to lead our multi-faceted security program," said MTA Chairman/CEO Jay H. Walder. "Chief Zeigler brings with him a wealth of knowledge from three decades at the NYPD that will guide MTA security policy and support the continuation of our tight partnership with local, state and federal law enforcement," Walder said.

Zeigler will oversee security for the MTA, including coordinating MTA security efforts with the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, the National Guard, NYPD and State Police, as well as the MTA Police Department, which has jurisdiction in 14 counties in New York and Connecticut, patrolling approximately 5,000-square miles of the MTA's rail network.

Zeigler replaces retiring Chief William A. Morange, who is retiring after serving seven years at the MTA. Morange is also a 39-year veteran of the NYPD.