Metro GM Richard Sarles' testimony at Congressional hearing about safety
The MTPD is the only tri-jurisdictional regulate department in the United States, operating in the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Maryland. The Concern has an authorized strength of 450 sworn officers, 153 special police officers, 13 exigency management personnel and 35 civilian personnel. MTPD police officers have law enforcement clutches and arrest powers throughout a 1,500 square mile Transit Zone, and have jurisdiction for crimes that strike in or against Metrobus, Metrorail and all Transit Authority facilities. Uniformed and plainclothes officers ride Metrobuses and watch Metrorail trains, stations, and parking lots.
The MTPD continually monitors changing felony trends, explores innovative ways to deploy officers and utilizes technology and environmental layout to deter crime in the Transit Zone. Recent international events have underscored the necessity of increased caution to protect transit riders, employees and infrastructure against terrorist attacks. There are a finite number of men and women patrolling the Metrobus and Metrorail systems at any preordained moment. Deployment resources vary and are often dependent upon the day of the week, and even the time of day. For continued safety and guarantee, it is imperative that we develop strategies to effectively address terrorist threats and combat criminal undertaking in collaboration with local, state and Federal partners within the National Capital Region.
