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RTD expands enforcement, cameras and outreach to improve transit safety; officials urge public reporting
Summary
RTD told the council it has increased sworn police officers to nearly 100, added K‑9 units, expanded patrols to 24/7 last May, and uses live vehicle cameras and the Transit Watch app; officials said partnerships with local law enforcement and outreach to behavioral‑health teams are part of a broader approach.
Denver ' Regional Transportation District officials on Jan. 21 described recent security investments and partnerships they say are intended to make the transit system safer and more welcoming.
CEO Deborah Johnson told the committee RTD has expanded its sworn police presence and public‑safety tools since she last briefed the council. "We are currently building out our police force," she said, adding that RTD is "nearly to a hundred" sworn officers and has two K‑9 units. Johnson said RTD expanded 24/7 patrols in May and divides the district into sectors with commanders who become familiar with recurring trouble spots.
Johnson listed non‑police measures as well: live‑view cameras on buses that can be accessed by RTD dispatch and partner law‑enforcement agencies; the Transit Watch app for rider reporting; and contracted supplemental policing with jurisdictions such as the city and county of Denver, Aurora and Douglas County. She also said RTD is piloting outreach models that pair outreach coordinators with police to connect people experiencing homelessness, mental‑health crises or substance misuse with services.
Council members pressed for details about staffing and contracts. Council member Hines asked whether RTD still plans for a force of 220 sworn officers; Johnson said pending third‑party security procurements and contract competition make exact future counts subject to change and that RTD would share updates as procurements move forward. Johnson added that a successor contract for third‑party security will be put out to bid in the near term.
RTD officials acknowledged limits to enforcement alone and urged riders and transit staff to "say something" when they see problematic behavior. The agency said it will continue coordinating with local jurisdictions because a 2,345‑square‑mile service area requires interagency responses.
Ending: RTD said it will provide committee staff and council offices updates on patrol staffing and security contracts as bids are issued and contract awards made.
