RTD sees 52% drop in security calls after safety upgrades
DENVER (KDVR) — The Regional Transportation District said security-related calls for service were cut in half in February after a year-long focus on safety improvements.
RTD has experienced ongoing safety issues involving anything from stolen copper wires to complaints of drug use. In response to safety concerns, RTD said in the past year, it issued more officers to high-visibility transit locations, upgraded facilities and enhanced personal safety and security.
Now, RTD said the increased efforts are working.
The RTD said there was a 52% drop in security-related calls in February compared to last year. In February 2024, RTD said it recorded 4,460 calls, which was cut in half to 2,134 calls in February 2025.
RTD launches internal detective bureau to investigate criminal activities
There was also a new low in safety reports in February. The RTD said safety reports via the Transit Watch app dropped to a low of 202 total reports last month. This comes after it received 4,604 incident reports in 2024, accounting for approximately a dozen reports a day. The reports have been on a decline since July 2024.
RTD also noticed a positive change in January. RTD said it received 2,774 security-related calls for service to the agency's dispatch center, which included anything from graffiti to crime to an unattended bag.
During January, RTD said it had approximately five million customer boardings, accounting for approximately one security-related report for every 1,800 boardings. In comparison, in 2024, RTD said it recorded approximately 43,000 security-related calls for service, averaging 118 calls each day.
The RTD said this came after several safety improvements, including an increase in patrolling officers and adding 24-hour, 7-days-a-week policing. There are now 100 sworn-in officers and the RTD said it's budgeted to have 150 officers by the end of 2025.
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There were also improvements to cameras in the vehicles, lighting, bus operator barriers and elevator enhancement programs. RTD said it also sends a team of mental health clinicians and outreach coordinators to help people experiencing homelessness.
The improved safety also comes from the Transit Watch app that allows people to report suspicious behavior. The app started in 2014 with 1,367 users, now RTD said the security app now has approximately 45,000 users.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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