Adrian Ruiz, retired Phoenix Police lieutenant, joins Valley Metro as the new director of safety and security for the metropolitan Phoenix regional transit system.
“Our agency is pleased to have Adrian in this critical role leading our safety and security program,” said Steve Banta, Valley Metro CEO. “Adrian has vast transportation security experience and extensive knowledge of our transit system. Providing a safe and secure environment for our passengers is our top priority. Her role will be an incredible asset for our system that serves 250,000 daily riders.”
In her 23 years of experience as a Phoenix Police officer, Ruiz spent seven years as a lieutenant with the Phoenix Police Transit Enforcement Unit. She retired from the violent crimes bureau as the lieutenant in assaults/gun enforcement-intelligence unit. Prior to that, she served with the chief’s office, various police precincts and the training academy. She has assisted in the coordination of a transportation security grant program, conducted regional and National Incident Management System (NIMS) exercises and counterterrorism training including participation in hazardous materials training and special events planning.
“The experience I have garnered from working with public transit as a police lieutenant has given me the opportunity to enhance our best practices, as well as look for ways to improve the safety and security of public transit,” said Ruiz. “I want to make the safety of our riding public a priority, focus on intergovernmental relations and work with the community and partners to identify strategies specific to a secure and safe system.”
As the new director, Ruiz is managing the light rail transit security and fare enforcement programs, accident investigation and reporting, as well as emergency management. She will also ensure the agency’s compliance with the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA), State Safety Oversight, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations and Homeland Security.
The director is responsible for all safety and security programs for bus and rail transit including the agency’s emergency management planning, disaster response and business continuity planning. Ruiz will also serve as the lead in ensuring that safety and security measures are incorporated into the agency’s design and construction project planning and implementation.
Ruiz retired from the Phoenix Police Department in 2014. During her tenure as an officer, she received two city of Phoenix Employee Excellence awards in 2013 for her actions to mitigate issues during a transit strike and for her involvement with Operation STOP (Surface transportation Top Offender Program).
She received her Master of Arts Degree from Webster University in Business and Organizational Security Management and is a graduate of Valley Leadership Institute, Class of 2014.
