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March 12, 2008

Westside Precinct starts patrolling MAX trains

Officers to ride trains and buses west of Sunset Transit Center

TriMet, the Hillsboro and Beaverton police departments and the Washington County Sheriff's Office today launched the Westside Precinct to expand police presence on MAX and buses on the Westside.

Two Beaverton police officers, one Hillsboro police officer and a sergeant, and a Washington County Sheriff's deputy will staff the precinct. They will patrol trains and buses between the Sunset Transit Center and Hatfield Government Center in Hillsboro.

"This new Westside Precinct with dedicated police officers will increase security on our transit system," said TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen. "I believe this will be effective in improving safety on our system and the perception of safety by our riders."

The precinct is part of a year-long pilot project on both the Westside and Eastside.

Hillsboro Police Chief Lila Ashenbrenner added, "The Hillsboro Police Department and the citizens of Hillsboro are excited about the partnership with TriMet and our allied agencies. We look forward to a successful pilot project and a long standing presence on our transit system."

Chief David G. Bishop commented, "The key to the Westside Transit Police Precinct is enhancing the partnership between local law enforcement and TriMet. This precinct will provide a proactive law enforcement presence on MAX trains and buses."

Westside Precinct details

  • The precinct will be under the direction of the Transit Police Division (TPD), which is led by Portland Police Commander Vince Jarmer.
  • Five officers will be assigned to the precinct patrolling the 16 MAX stations between Beaverton and Hillsboro.
  • TriMet pays for all police officers assigned to the TPD.
  • TriMet's Hansen has directed that TPD officers spend up to 70 percent of their time on MAX trains and buses.
  • Existing TPD officers along with Westside law enforcement agencies- Beaverton and Hillsboro police departments and Washington County Sheriff’s Office-will respond to TriMet incidents when the Westside Precinct officers are not working.
  • 9-1-1 will still dispatch officers to an incident, with the closest police unit responding.
  • The precinct will be housed within the Hillsboro Police Department's Eastside Precinct.
  • During the next 12 months, TriMet and all of its law enforcement partners will monitor the effectiveness of the precinct and determine if any changes are necessary.

Other TriMet security improvements

In addition to the Westside Precinct, TriMet's Eastside Precinct will begin patrols on April 1, with a total of 10 officers patrolling MAX and buses between Gateway Transit Center and Cleveland Ave stations by July 1.

TriMet has also added more contract security, closed circuit TV security cameras, improved lighting and improved sight lines at MAX platforms. The agency is fixing faulty ticket vending machines and increasing fare inspection, and contracting with rider advocates who work with youth to prevent gang activity on the MAX system. Police also have an extended Interdiction Command, where rowdy or intimidating riders can be immediately removed from the transit system for up to six hours. Repeat juvenile offenders interfering with public transit or committing certain crimes on TriMet can now be taken to juvenile detention in Multnomah County for up to 36 hours where officials will work with the youths and their families to stop the activity.

TriMet: Mary Fetsch, 503-962-6403
Hillsboro: Deputy Chief Chris Skinner, 503-681-5355
Beaverton Police: Sgt Paul Wandell, 503-526-2275
Washington County Sheriff's Office: Sgt David Thompson, 503-209-5613