SERIOUS CRIME DROPS 11 PERCENT ON METRO TRANSIT SYSTEM
November 13, 2008
The number of serious crimes on METRO’s system is down for the second consecutive year.
For FY 2008, METRO recorded an 11 percent reduction in serious crimes such as homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny/theft, auto theft and arson. In FY 2008, there were 438 serious crime incidents compared to 492 in FY 2007, which was also down from 565 in FY 2006.
METRO saw the greatest decreases at bus shelters, on buses and at Park & Ride lots:
| Location | Serious Crimes Reported (FY2008) | Percent Decrease |
| METRO Bus Shelters | 24 | 47% |
| Onboard Buses | 39 | 33% |
| Park & Rides | 85 | 20% |
“We have taken a very proactive and systematic approach as to how we address crime,” said METRO Police Chief Tom Lambert. “Our approach focuses on crime trends and in how we direct METRO police officers to target these trends.”
Chief Lambert also attributes the decline to the use of progressive technology such as the agency’s modern camera systems at Park & Rides facilities linked to Houston TranStar. METRO also uses camera monitoring and uniformed and non-uniformed officers on its transit vehicles and light rail platforms.
“Our officers stay on the lookout for any issue that may impact the safety or security of our customers, employees, or equipment, and determine how we can properly respond,” said Chief Lambert.
METRO’s one-year-old Bus Marshall Program has also contributed to the decline. This initiative places plain clothes officers on high-crime bus routes, as well as METRORail. Last year, the officers issued 584 citations and made 157arrests for misdemeanors and 5 for felonies.
“It’s just astounding. They have no idea,” said Chief Lambert. “When individuals are observed by our plain clothes officers disregarding established laws, they are often surprised to learn that the person they are sitting next to is a police officer ready to take appropriate enforcement action.”
Additionally, METRO’s Adopt-a-Shelter program has engaged the public to help keep a watchful eye on its bus shelters. Concerned citizens have done an outstanding job reporting any suspicious or suspected illegal activity to METRO Police for an immediate response. To date, 261 shelters/stops have been adopted.
METRO has made it easier for its customers to report matters to the agency through the internet and e-mails, and METRO also encourages customers to directly contact METRO Police. It’s a free call from most cellular phones by pressing #MPD, or citizens can call the METRO police dispatch line at 713-224-COPS (2677).
For more information on MPD, please visit our Web site at www.ridemetro.org or call 713-635-4000.
