Edmonton Transit launches security presence at select stations

Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) will begin implementing rotating security guards 24/7 at selected transit centers throughout Edmonton. The security enhancement is part of ETS’s ongoing commitment to keep citizens, operators and staff safe.
   
Phased in over two weeks, a third-party contractor will deploy security guards at 25 transit centers/stations that have had at least one major incident reported in the past five years. At selected LRT stations, security guards will be assigned to a particular facility for the majority of their shift, but will transition to another facility when these LRT stations close at night.  

“We’re committed to keeping our transit system safe and accelerating security initiatives to make it safer,” says Eddie Robar, branch manager, ETS. “Having onsite security guards is one of the best ways to deter crime and disorder.”

Security guards will wear highly visible jackets or vests and will patrol throughout their shift. They will interact with the public and work closely with Transit Peace Officers and Edmonton Police Service to ensure customers, staff, and city assets remain safe, according to city officials. Security guards are onsite to observe and report and will contact 9-1-1 for emergencies. For nuisance and disorder, they will contact the ETS Control Center, who will dispatch necessary support.

Security guards will receive appropriate orientation, training, and operational knowledge to effectively patrol their assigned location, according to city officials.