RTD police enhance safety with 250 officer goal across Denver Metro area

The Transportation, Airports and Public Works Policy Committee Meeting held on April 18, 2025, in Aurora City, Douglas County, focused on critical updates regarding safety and security measures within the regional transit system. The meeting began with a discussion led by law enforcement officials about the ongoing efforts to enhance safety in response to rising concerns related to drug use and public safety on transit lines.

One of the key highlights was the introduction of "sector integrity," a strategy aimed at assigning officers to specific transit sectors on a monthly basis. This initiative is designed to foster familiarity between officers and the daily transit users, as well as the transit operators. Officials reported a noticeable decrease in narcotic use among individuals utilizing the transit system, indicating that these measures are beginning to yield positive results.

The committee also addressed the current staffing levels within the transit police department, noting that there are approximately 90 officers currently on duty, with plans to increase this number to around 250. This increase is expected to enhance the department's ability to respond to incidents more effectively across the extensive service area, which spans eight counties and 40 cities. The discussion emphasized the logistical challenges of managing personnel across such a large area, particularly with the current limited number of officers.

Transit security officers have also been deployed to ride along on trains, providing an additional layer of safety and support. The presence of these officers aims to reassure passengers and deter potential incidents of violence or drug-related issues.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among municipalities to bolster transit safety efforts. Officials expressed gratitude for the support received from Aurora and other local governments, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships in achieving a safer transit environment.

Overall, the committee's discussions underscored a proactive approach to addressing safety concerns within the transit system, with a focus on increasing personnel and enhancing community engagement to ensure a secure travel experience for all users.