The Safety & Security Action Plan summarizes the steps Metro Transit is taking to improve public safety on transit. The plan identifies 40+ actions focused on three areas of work:
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Improving conditions on the system
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Training and supporting employees
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Engaging customers and partners
How was the plan created?
The Safety & Security Action Plan advances recommendations from the Metropolitan Council’s Metro Transit Police Work Group and is based on significant feedback from customers and employees. The work group's recommendations are built around a vision that:
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Provides a quality transit experience for all, using an anti-racist lens, equity lens, and an inclusive approach to transit safety, security, and policing
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Addresses systemic issues by fostering community relationships and partnerships
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Demonstrates responsive leadership and accountability for results
What has been accomplished since the plan was created?
Nearly all the actions identified in the plan are in implementation or planning. View the latest quarterly update here.
Additional support was provided through the state Transportation Bill, which passed in May 2023. The bill:
- Invests up to $2 million in social service outreach efforts. Community-based organizations working under contract will be in the field beginning in late-2023.
- Allows Metro Transit to create an administrative citation program. Once the program is established, non-police personnel will be able to issue administrative citations for fare non-compliance that would be handled outside the courts.
- Requires Metro Transit to adopt cleaning standards and bring an updated Code of Conduct to the Met Council for its endorsement.
Future public safety investments will also be supported through a metro-area sales tax that will take effect in October 2023.
View a fact sheet about public safety measures in the Transportation Bill
Highlights
Enhanced efforts to hire and retain police officers and Community Service Officers (CSOs)
Status: There are more than 100 full-time officers and more than a dozen CSOs. The Metro Transit Police Department has re-established its recruitment team and hiring efforts are ongoing. Several new officers are due to begin academy training this fall.
Supplemental security at transit facilities with the most calls for service
Status: Security officers are currently working at the Blue Line's Lake Street/Midtown and Franklin Avenue stations, the I-35W & Lake Street Station, the Chicago-Lake Transit Center and the Brooklyn Center Transit Center.
Greater use of real-time cameras, including on buses and at facilities
Status: The Real Time Information Center is staffed by a team of non-sworn police personnel who remotely monitor cameras on trains and light rail/bus rapid transit stations. Cameras are monitored from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., 7 days a week.
Expanded employee training on mental health, de-escalation, and personal safety
Status: More than 700 operators have completed Red Kite Project training, which explores what leads people to act out and how to effectively respond when they do.
Clearer and more prominent communication about respectful behavior on transit
Status: A revised Code of Conduct will be brought to the Metropolitan Council for endorsement later this year; revisions are being informed by input from staff and more than 700 customer surveys. An anti-harassment campaign is also under development.
How can I share feedback?
Questions and feedback should be sent to comments@metrotransit.org