The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Police Department (MPD) reports violent crimes, property crimes and operator assaults saw a decline in 2022, which MARTA’s general manager and CEO says is evidence the MPD is among Georgia’s top law enforcement agencies.
MPD says Part 1 crimes, which include violent and property crimes) are down 17 percent, while operator assaults are down 42 percent. The authority’s Ride With Respect Program, a customer code of conduct initiative, resulted in more than 5,000 temporary or yearlong system suspensions for violators and more than 70 permanent bans.
“The most important responsibility we have as a transit agency and our number one priority is keeping our customers and employees safe,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood, “To see such a dramatic reduction in violence against our operators and a decline in overall crime on the system, along with the recent state certification is further proof that the MARTA Police Department is one of the top law enforcement agencies in the state.”
MPD saw a reduction in its employee vacancy rate by holding regular career fairs and implementing an internship program through Georgia State University. MARTA says increased officer visibility on trains through a concentrated overtime patrol program cleared railcars of thousands of loiterers and sleepers and connected homeless individuals with resources through the MARTA Hope Program.
“We were able to add to our dedicated team of sworn officers and Field Protective Specialists in the past year and that has allowed us to put more people in more places,” said MARTA Police Chief Scott Kreher. “From our uniformed, K-9, and more visible officers, to those in plain clothes or working undercover, rest assured, there is a MARTA police presence systemwide. I am proud of the women and men of the MARTA Police Department who continue to show their professionalism and dedication to duty by reducing crime, while also ensuring our employees and customers stay safe and feel safe.”
MPD, which recently achieved state law enforcement certification, also partners with fellow law enforcement agencies to provide additional officer visibility and security to the MARTA system and surrounding communities. MPD’s Central Precinct partnered with the Atlanta Police Department and Georgia State University law enforcement on a joint crime suppression detail. Last year, they responded to 2,864 calls and made 91 arrests. A similar detail consisting of MARTA and Atlanta bicycle officers patrolled the Lindbergh area and answered 1,338 calls for service and made 160 arrests.
