Metro Transit leaders announced their latest push Wednesday to improve riders’ perceptions of safety on light rail in the Twin Cities.
While police say serious crime on the system is down 21% over the same time a year ago, they acknowledged that there is still significant work to be done.
Since the pandemic, 5 INVESTIGATES has revealed persistent problems related to crime, substance use and homelessness that prompted advocates to call it a public health crisis.
In 2022, Metro Transit launched a 42-point Safety and Security Action Plan to address those issues.
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Wednesday’s announcement was the latest phase of that plan.
“We know we have more work to do,” said Lesley Kandaras, Metro Transit general manager. “As a rider, I see that myself, but we feel confident that these additional steps we’re taking will move us closer to consistently meeting the expectations of our riders.”
Metro Transit says its 116 sworn police officers and an additional 26 community service officers make up the highest staffing levels since 2021.
The Metropolitan Council also recently approved the expansion of private supplemental security.
More than 200 security officers will now patrol 15 locations across the system.
Earlier this year, video obtained by 5 INVESTIGATES showed a violent takedown of an unarmed man at the hands of guards with Allied Universal, raising questions about the firm’s $11 million contract.
Next month, Metro Transit will officially transition to a new security firm, Inter-Con, which recently landed a contract worth more than $57 million.
“We want our supplemental security to use de-escalation just like our officers do all the time,” said Joe Dotseth, the interim chief of Metro Transit Police. “De-escalation, de-escalation, de-escalation. That’s a priority.”
Dotseth replaced Ernest Morales III when he resigned amid an internal investigation more than a year ago, but Dotseth has remained in the interim role.
“We are working to get the position for that chief posted before the end of this month,” Kandaras said. “The police chief role is such an essential role at Metro Transit; it’s something we don’t want to rush into.”
Metro Transit says it is looking to continue hiring more officers and other uniformed agents in 2026.
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