RTD detective unit reduces transit crime, but 2027 budget cuts loom

Riders on the Regional Transportation District are experiencing fewer crimes on the system, according to RTD Chief of Police and Emergency Management Steve Martingano. The improvement coincides with the operation of a new detective unit established to handle investigations across the transit network. However, the agency’s proposed 2027 budget includes a 5% reduction in staff, creating uncertainty for the unit's future capacity.

RTD services cover eight counties and 40 cities. Each jurisdiction has its own law enforcement agency. Martingano said this patchwork of authorities made it difficult to investigate crimes on RTD property. Cases often stayed within their specific county or city limits without collaboration. "We really saw that, you know a lot of that wasn't they weren't collaborating and not in a negative sense," Martingano said. "It was just, you know, was happening within their jurisdiction."

In response, RTD formed the detective unit. The unit has operated for just over a year. Martingano stated that crime on RTD property is down. He noted that most incidents are minor situations. If these cases were sent to city or county police, they might remain in a queue for a long time because they are not high priority for those agencies. "But for us, it is a high priority," Martingano said.

The 2027 budget proposal calls for reducing staff by 5%. Martingano said the agency will not fill some vacant positions. RTD is currently in the process of adding eight officers, increasing the total from 104 to 112. The chief said hiring may slow down in the future.

Riders have expressed concerns about security on buses. Miles Bush, an RTD rider, said bus drivers sometimes lack assistance when handling difficult passengers. "Sometimes like the bus doesn't have a security guard or someone on there to assist the operator, so that's where it makes it a little bit hard," Bush said. He added that drivers may be uncomfortable telling passengers to get off the bus when they are causing an issue.

RTD is using its operators to monitor for suspicious activity. Martingano said the agency has instructed operators to report what they see. "All that together has really worked in regards to having more eyes and ears out there," Martingano said. The agency continues to address rider concerns while managing the upcoming budget changes.

Makayla'Rae Caldwell, another rider, said RTD is essential for her because she does not drive. Bush described public transit as a lifeline. "RTD and the train and the bus is kind of what we can use," Bush said. The detective unit remains in place as the agency navigates staffing levels for the coming fiscal year.