Train operators: drugs, crime plague RTD as 24/7 police patrols announced
DENVER (KDVR) — RTD Transit Police plan to start 24/7 patrols of bus and light rail stations on May 5 to increase security.
In 2023, there were 13,938 calls for service plus a lot of complaints from riders and employees. RTD is hoping to bring those numbers down by increasing the police presence.
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“I promise you, we hear you loud and clear. We are being strategic with our deployment and placement of cops throughout the system because we are committed to having a safe and welcoming transit environment,” said RTD Transit Police Deputy Chief Glyn Horn.
He says riders will see more officers as the police department continues to grow. The department currently has 61 certified officers, but the agency plans to have a minimum of 119 by the end of the year.
RTD also plans to add community outreach staff including six mental health clinicians and five homeless outreach coordinators by the end of the year to work alongside officers. This is good news to some bus and light rail riders who say they see a lot of people openly using drugs.
“I don’t particularly feel safe all the time here,” said Evan Crane.
A light rail operator who did not want to be identified says the drugs are a serious problem.
“Every day I find foil on my trains with a black dot in it. That’s fentanyl or some other drug that they’ve smoked,” the driver said.
Plus, there has been violence.
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“I was attacked here at Broadway Station. I was attacked at Bellview Station. I’ve also had my backpack stolen from my cab by a passenger,” the driver said.
Officers hope their presence will deter crime, but they will also be available to respond to calls or make arrests. One issue they will tackle is fare evasion. Officers will ask riders who did not pay to get off the bus or train. If a person is homeless, they will be offered resources.
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