RTD ahead of pace in goal of doubling police force by end of 2024

Rachel Saurer
·2 min read

DENVER (KDVR) — On your next bus or train ride, you might notice a bit more security.

That is partly due to the Regional Transportation District’s goal to more than double its police force by the end of the year.

RTD doubling police force to address ongoing violence, crime reports

Already, RTD said it is noticing a drop in crime rates, especially in places that, in the past, used to be hot spots for crime.

“Union Station is definitely a more inviting and welcoming place,” RTD Deputy Chief Glyn Horn said. “A lot of people [weren’t] necessarily going to Union Station due to the condition.”

RTD said it is hoping to continue to see this decrease as it works toward a goal of having 119 officers by the end of 2024.

“One of RTD’s strategic priorities is creating a safe and welcoming transit environment,” Horn said.

In August 2022, RTD’s police department only had 19 sworn officers. On Friday, that group grew to 56 members strong. Another 21 recruits are currently in training to join the force.

“For us to be recruiting and hiring amazing cops at the rate we are is truly humbling, and I think that it speaks a lot to RTD, you know our staff,” Horn said.

Man beaten at light rail station; one suspect arrested, juvenile suspect at large

At this rate, he said he anticipates reaching that goal of 119 sworn officers much sooner.

“We’re looking at I think maybe it was either May or June. Definitely ahead of schedule, which is a great feeling and I think all would reap the benefits of such rapid growth,” Horn said.

With RTD covering more than 2,000 square miles, the goal is to have a strong police presence on train platforms and have officers ride various modes of transportation at random to provide a sense of safety.

“By us maintaining a strong presence, we can ensure that we have spaces that’s available for customers to use for their intended purposes,” Horn said.

In the meantime, if you are riding on a train or bus and you spot something suspicious, you are encouraged to use the Transit Watch App, which you can download to your mobile device to alert RTD police of a situation discreetly and anonymously.

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