RTD Transit Police launch Bus and Rail Impact Team to patrol hot spots

Team of officers patrolling areas based on security-related data; task forces will launch later this month for fare enforcement

DENVER (May 5, 2026) –– The Regional Transportation District (RTD)s Transit Police (RTD-PD) has launched a new safety initiative to increase officer presence and provide more customer support across the transit system. Launched on March 30, the Bus and Rail Impact Team (BRIT) deploys RTD-PD officers to locations identified through security-related data to conduct focused patrols and support high-volume event security.

BRIT patrols are over and above those already occurring within the district. For example, the agency experienced a series of three copper wire thefts along the G Line the week of April 20, followed by others on April 30 and May 4. Chief of Police and Emergency Management Steve Martingano noted that BRIT patrols will be conducted on varying days and times in locations where thefts are occurring to improve officer visibility, help deter criminal activity, and support customer and employee safety. Patrolling by BRIT officers “help combat the issue and is a direct team effort to focus on different hot spots each week,” said Martingano.

Commander Jonathan Holloway, who oversees the team, said BRIT’s deployment areas are reviewed and adjusted regularly. “BRIT targets high-incident areas identified by data, operator feedback, and ridership trends to address locations with recurring trespassing or disorderly conduct issues as well as peak ridership times,” said Holloway. “While the additional focused patrols are early into the program, Holloway anticipates BRIT will positively impact the community. “By focusing on hot spots, riding key routes, and responding rapidly to priority calls, the team helps disrupt illegal activity and improve the safety of operators and customers,” he said.

The Bus and Rail Impact Team will also support police operations with local partner law enforcement agencies. “If Lakewood (Police Department) was going to do an operation, the intention is they could engage our team and we would assist them with personnel from BRIT,” said Martingano.

BRIT consists of five members of the RTD-PD – a sergeant, corporal, and three officers selected based on their ability to balance engagement, enforcement, and rapid response. The officers also are committed to data-driven policing and collaborative problem solving. Later this spring, customers may see BRIT officers patrolling on bicycles that were donated to the department.

Transit Police to launch fare task forces

RTD-PD also will introduce two task forces dedicated to fare enforcement on May 10. Officers will conduct fare checks and educate customers about fare options and RTD’s customer code of conduct. While the agency will continue to employ contracted security officers assigned to fare enforcement, RTD is reducing the number of contracted personnel to support fare checks since the Transit Police Department has grown to more than 100 officers. RTD-PD currently has 102 officers and is budgeted to have 118 officers on board in 2026.

Security-related metrics

Over the last year, the agency has seen reduced reports of criminal activity and behavior. In 2025, RTD recorded an 18% average monthly decrease in security-related calls, which include graffiti, unattended bags, welfare checks, and other safety concerns. Customer reports of illicit drug activity decreased 48% in 2025 compared to 2024.

RTD also conducted more than 5 million fare checks on light rail and commuter rail vehicles last year to support fare equity and to directly engage with customers. On average, most customers use transit services seamlessly without incident. RTD receives about one security-related report for every 2,000 boardings.

RTD’s civilian Impact Team continues customer support

RTD launched a separate Impact Team in June 2024 composed of trained RTD employee volunteers outside the Transit Police Department who will continue to provide face-to-face customer support. Civilian Impact Team volunteers help customers navigate the transit system by providing real-time service updates, guidance on the MyRide app, and offer support during peak travel periods such as spring break, concerts, and sporting events. This team operates separately from BRIT and focuses exclusively on customer service and community engagement.

See something, say something

RTD continues to encourage customers to report unwanted activities or suspicious behaviors across its system any time of day. Transit Police dispatch is available 24/7.

Customers may make a Transit Watch report using these options: 

Digital form: https://go.elerts.com/rtd?ref=WEBSITE

Call: 303.299.2911 

Text: 303.434.9100

In case of emergency, customers should call 911.