The Regional Transportation District (RTD) Police Department recently reported a striking reduction in security-related calls for service, which have been cut by more than half over the past year. This significant turnaround comes as a direct result of concerted efforts to enhance safety measures across the transit system.
According to Steve Martingano, Acting Chief of Police and Emergency Management at RTD, the department has successfully decreased calls because it has deployed more officers to high-visibility areas. Officers are regularly riding buses and trains, and their presence has reassured both customers and staff. “Calls have been decreasing because RTD is deploying more officers in high-visibility areas, and they're regularly riding buses and trains,” said Martingano in a recent press release.
As of now, the police department employs approximately 100 sworn officers and aims to increase that number to 150 by the end of 2025. The focus on hiring and training these officers was influenced by recommendations from the American Public Transportation Association, which underscored the need for a robust police presence to combat a rising crime problem on RTD property.
In 2024, the agency logged around 43,000 security-related calls for service, which represents a wide array of concerns from riders, including reports of graffiti, noise complaints, and drug activity. This year, in January alone, RTD recorded 2,774 security-related incidents during approximately five million customer boardings—equating to one incident report for every 1,800 boardings throughout the system.
During his brief tenure as chief, which began in August 2023, Joel Fitzgerald advocated strongly for increasing sworn officers to ensure the safety of passengers. However, his efforts were cut short when he was “terminated for cause” on September 26, 2024. The circumstances surrounding his departure remain unclear, as RTD officials have refrained from disclosing whether he resigned or was fired.
Despite the transition in leadership, Michelle Lawrence, RTD Manager of 911 Operations, has been vocal about the department's ongoing mission to foster a safe environment. “Our job is to help the public and make sure there's a safe and welcoming transit environment for everyone,” she stated, emphasizing the transit system's commitment to customer safety.
Efforts to improve safety also included enhancements in technology and infrastructure. RTD has integrated Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies, which involve live look-in cameras on buses, barriers for operators, and improved lighting at stations. These measures are designed to enhance passenger comfort and overall safety. In a statement, Debra A. Johnson, General Manager and CEO of RTD, underscored the vital role the agency plays within the community and expressed intentions to make the transit experience seamless and comforting for all travelers. “RTD is interwoven into the fabric of the communities it serves,” she remarked, noting that challenges in nearby areas can directly affect the safety and operations of the transit system.
Additionally, RTD has been proactive in addressing the needs of unhoused individuals who often seek refuge in agency facilities. To support these community members, RTD provides access to social services and resources through mental health clinicians and outreach coordinators that assist individuals in need. “In the spirit of compassion, RTD also connects individuals to community services, resources, information, and other support not offered by the transit system,” the agency stated.
To foster a safer reporting environment, RTD encourages customers to utilize the Transit Watch app to report any suspicious or unwanted behavior on its vehicles and at stations. The app has gained popularity, currently boasting around 45,000 users and is available in both English and Spanish on Android and Apple devices. However, it is worth noting that despite its growing user base, the number of incident reports submitted through the app has actually declined since mid-2024, peaking at merely 202 reports last month.
The regional transit system continues to adapt and respond to the safety needs of its passengers, illustrating its commitment to not only transport but protect and empower the communities it serves. As RTD moves forward, the agency remains steadfast in its resolve to enhance the safety of its transit environment, bridging the gaps of service through partnerships and innovative solutions while keeping the welfare of all riders at the forefront of its mission.
