The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has named Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) Interim Chief Michael L. Anzallo as the department’s new chief. Anzallo, who has been with MTPD since 2018, brings more than 30 years of police experience to the role.
“Chief Anzallo is a trusted leader in MTPD who has built important relationships with our communities and jurisdictional police partners,” said WMATA General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. “He demonstrates genuine concern for helping to solve very difficult challenges that are unique to our business and the region. I know he will be an effective leader for MTPD.”
Anzallo’s time as interim chief of police has focused on recruiting a new generation of police officers by updating outdated policies that can preclude men and women from joining MTPD ranks; bolstering support of accountability measures within MTPD that hold officers to the highest standards of policing; building positive relationships with communities in WMATA’s service areas to foster collaboration and understanding of neighborhood needs while helping to reduce crimes against people near and on WMATA properties; supporting stiffer penalties for proposed legislation to protect frontline transit workers from assaults; expanding police presence to support new service expansion areas in WMATA’s territory; and continuing to emphasize opportunities for dedicated training that supports the future of a growing region.
“For the majority of my life, I’ve had the pleasure of serving the public,” said Anzallo. “I’m truly honored to lead extraordinary men and women who wake up every day with a willingness to be positive examples in our communities. I look forward to coming to work each day, and I’m excited to lead this department and elevate 21st century policing needs.”
Anzallo currently coordinates WMATA’s emergency management command response with area law enforcement, oversees transit police security programs including transit police bureaus for patrol operations, homeland security, intelligence and investigations and he will continue to provide strategic oversight for WMATA’s executive management team and board of director’s on MTPD’s vision for the future.
“Chief Anzallo is widely respected, both for his experience as an accomplished police leader and as a reliable community partner,” said Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief of Police Robert J. Contee, III. “The Metro Transit Police Department provides critical public safety services for our region, and I am confident that Chief Anzallo will lead that charge with the same level of professionalism and vigor that he did during his three decades of service with MPD.”
Anzallo began his law enforcement career in the District of Columbia in 1989 where he took on a wide range of responsibilities during his tenure which includes managing several police units that focused on violent crimes including homicide, homicide cold case, major narcotics, special victims, sexual assault, forensic science and aligning the sex offender registry to better connect crimes to repeat offenders. Anzallo also previously led investigative units addressing financial crimes and fraud, intelligence, witness protection and auto theft.
