RTD bolsters security with 24/7 police patrols

The Regional Transportation District Police Department will begin 24/7 patrol staffing starting May 5 to improve security and both passenger and employee safety, including when employees begin their morning shifts at Denver Union Station.

By the end of this year, the district expects to have 119 sworn officers as well as 11 mental health and homeless outreach coordinators to further improve transit system safety, according to a news release.

“The introduction of an overnight team has been a priority for RTD-PD, and it was always contingent upon our hiring success,” said Dr. Joel Fitzgerald Sr., chief of Police and Emergency Management. “We needed enough staff to begin to provide the high-performance service our stakeholders expect. As we continue to grow, you’ll see us even more.”

Starting with 19 sworn officers in August, 2022, the department relied heavily on contracted security personnel who had no arrest powers.

Currently the department has 61 sworn police officers, with another 19 graduating the police academy in May. The department is planning for another 26 academy graduates in July.

“RTD provides bus, rail and paratransit services in a 2,342-square-mile area that spans all or part of eight counties and 40 municipalities," according to a news release. "In 2023, RTD had approximately 65 million customer boardings.”

“Being able to respond to more calls for service and process more of our own arrests makes us a force multiplier for other law enforcement agencies,” Fitzgerald said in the release. “This means that RTD will always be a priority and our department is viewed as a better partner."

RTD said unwanted, illegal behavior or suspicious activity can be reported by calling the RTD-PD at 303-299-2911 or texting 303-434-9100. In emergency situations call 911 and tell the vehicle operator right away.

RTD’s Transit Watch app is available in English and Spanish and in iOS and Android versions. The app allows anonymous or discreet reports and customers can call or text Transit Police Communications 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.