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September 29, 2008

TriMet adds more security measures

Includes more police, security cameras and fare enforcement

TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen today announced further expansion of the agency's security measures, including hiring more police officers, increasing fare inspection, and with the support of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), adding more cameras to MAX stations.

Additional TriMet Security Enhancements

  • Hiring 15 police officers, bringing the total number of budgeted officers from 43 to 58, doubling the number of actual officers who were working for the Transit Police Division (TPD) a year ago. Five (5) of the officers will be assigned to the Eastside Precinct for additional coverage every day; three (3) officers will be dedicated to the Westside Precinct; two (2) will be assigned to TPD Central Precinct; five (5) officers will be hired earlier than planned for the I-205/Portland Mall extension that opens in September 2009. Officers will be hired as quickly as police agencies can assign them to TPD. TriMet pays for all costs related to police officers.
  • Hiring additional Field Supervisors and combining them with Fare Inspectors, doubling the number of staff from 15 to 30 who will check fares and issue warnings, tickets and exclusions for those found without a valid fare. Last February, Hansen gave authority to all Supervisors to be able to check fares. Doubling the number of staff checking fares will significantly increase the likelihood that a rider will have their fare inspected on any given trip.
  • Working with the District Attorney to request legislative changes to increase the fines and penalties for illegal behavior on TriMet, including making it a felony to assault a rider.

"TriMet has taken numerous steps over the past 10 months to increase security on our buses and MAX trains," said Hansen. "People are seeing a difference, but I want to do more to ensure the safety and integrity of the system as we expand transit options and have record numbers of people riding our buses and MAX trains."

More Security Cameras

Mike Irwin, Oregon Federal Security Director for the TSA, today announced a $1 million grant for TriMet to add more security cameras to MAX platforms, as well as tools to work with first responders to better respond to a transit-related attack or emergency.

"TSA works closely with TriMet to ensure the security of passengers throughout the system, and on behalf of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, we’re pleased to provide funding for additional MAX station cameras," said Irwin.  "As one of only 17 airports in the country with light rail service into the terminal, our security resources are a critical force multiplier when combined with TriMet’s robust efforts."

The TSA grant provides for closed circuit TV (CCTV) cameras at six (6) additional MAX stations:

  • Gresham City Hall
  • Ruby Junction/E 197th Ave
  • E 172 Ave
  • E 148th Ave
  • Willow Creek/185th Ave TC
  • Quatama/NW 205th Ave

When these cameras are installed, every Gresham station will have CCTV. Currently, 41 of the 64 MAX stations have CCTV cameras, many funded with TSA grants.

Background–TriMet security improvements since November 2007:

  • Hired more police officers, bringing the TPD force up from 36 budgeted positions to 43 officers. Directed officers to spend up to 70 percent of their time patrolling the system.
  • Opened an Eastside and Westside Precinct with dedicated officers patrolling area MAX trains and buses. Commitment to open a South Precinct when MAX extends into Clackamas County.
  • Installed security cameras that operate at five of eight Gresham MAX stations: E 162nd Ave, E 181st, Rockwood/E188th Ave, Gresham Central TC, Cleveland Ave.
  • Improved lighting and improved sight lines at MAX platforms
  • Committed to harden station platform at NE 82nd Ave and Gresham Central MAX stations. Fencing will be added to the Gresham Central westbound platform, making it a fare zone; plus TriMet will increase fare inspection and improve lighting at both stations. The Gresham Central eastbound platform is being reviewed for the potential to add similar treatments. Work to be completed in early 2009.
  • Improved reliability of Ticket Vending Machines (ongoing), have retail shops located on MAX platforms sell tickets, and give all TriMet Field Supervisors the authority to check fares.
  • Hired more contracted security.
  • Guaranteed jail time for persons that commit crimes on TriMet (Project 57).
  • Contracted with rider advocates who work with youth to prevent gang activity on the MAX system.
  • Extended and streamlined Interdiction Command, where rowdy or intimidating riders can be immediately removed from the transit system, from fours hours up to six hours.
  • Changed TriMet Code to add intimidation as behavior restricted on the system, including violent, threatening or disruptive behavior or conduct intended and likely to provoke a violent response. The code change also restricts excessively boisterous and unreasonably loud conduct.
  • Extended juvenile detention for up to 36 hours for repeat offenders violating the TriMet code so officials can work with the youths and their families to stop the activity.
  • Remove graffiti within 24 hours at MAX stations and transit stations.