RTD recognizes Transit Police contributions on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day 

DENVER (Jan. 9, 2025) –– The Regional Transportations District (RTD) is recognizing the contributions of its Transit Police (RTD-PD) officers and their important work for RTD customers, employees and the community in honor of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Jan. 9.

"I want to express my gratitude to the team members of the Regional Transportation District Police Department,” Acting RTD-PD Co-Chief Glyn Horn said. “Your work is often underappreciated, but on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we want to remind you that you have our full support. We acknowledge and appreciate your courage, dedication and daily sacrifices,” he added. “Because of your efforts, we are able to provide a safe and welcoming transit environment. We stand with you, and we are grateful for your service. Lastly, please remember to take a moment of silence to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives in the line of duty.”

Acting RTD-PD Co-Chief Steve Martingano said, “Today, we honor the bravery, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of those who serve and protect. Each of you who wears the police badge, are individuals who display courage, compassion and dedication to justice daily. I cannot thank you enough for your professionalism and for you choosing a career that stands guard for us all.”

The RTD-PD made strides throughout 2024 in supporting the agency’s Welcoming Transit Environment strategic initiative for customers and operators. As part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to bolster safety, RTD grew its Transit Police department from 50 sworn officers in January 2024 to 87 in December 2024. RTD-PD’s expansion will continue in 2025 with 150 total officer positions budgeted. Seven recruits start the police academy this week.

In May 2024, RTD implemented a 24/7 patrolling model to provide overnight coverage to enhance the personal safety and security of RTD’s frontline employees and customers, including those who use transit services outside of regular business hours.

September 2024 saw the launch of the department’s Transit Police cadet program for full-time college students in the Denver metro area pursuing a criminal justice or related degree. Martingano created the program for students to learn about the agency and explore the public safety field based on his life-changing experience early in his career as a police cadet. The program also facilitates new recruits exploring the agency and field of public safety to determine whether they would like to pursue a career as a Transit Police officer.

In late 2024, RTD added three K-9 units to the agency’s existing police force to enable K-9 patrolling seven days a week. The K-9s were funded from an anti-terrorism Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant. RTD-PD is using the dogs’ specialized skills for a variety of police work including helping to identify potential threats.

The RTD-PD regularly deploys officers who work overtime during special events such as Broncos games for additional patrolling and security at RTD light rail stations. On New Year’s Eve, 28 Transit Police officers assisted customers, with many officers riding trains and buses throughout the night as part of the RTD-PD’s continual commitment to customers and the Denver community. Off-duty officers from Denver, Thornton and Aurora police departments also aided the agency’s patrols on New Year’s Eve.

Looking ahead, 15 RTD-PD officers will be in service to support security efforts for the presidential inauguration Jan. 20. This inauguration will mark the department’s fifth participation in patrolling a presidential inauguration since 2009 when Barack Obama was sworn in as president. Transit Police officers will undergo communications training with the U.S. Marshall service and receive their assignments on Jan. 19.

Ways in which to honor police officers to commemorate Law Enforcement Appreciation Day include:

• If you see a police officer, take a moment to thank the officer
• Wear an item of blue clothing in support of law enforcement
• Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency
• Share a story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media and/or with the respective department
• Ask your children or those in your community to write letters in support of law enforcement
• Participate in Project Blue Light by proudly displaying a blue light in support of law enforcement

Be a partner in safety by using the Transit Watch app

Customer feedback helps RTD determine the most-needed areas to place officers and using RTD’s Transit Watch app is an easy and convenient way for customers to report suspicious and criminal activity on RTD property to transit police 24/7. To report safety and security concerns, customers may also contact Transit Watch at the following phone numbers:

Call: 303-299-2911

Text: 303-434-9100

Transit Watch is also available in Spanish.

In the event of an emergency, customers should call 911.