Chief of Police and Emergency Management

RTD has named two finalists in its national search for the agency’s next Chief of Police and Emergency Management.

The search for RTD's next Chief of Police and Emergency Management began in late 2024. Prior to the position prospectus being posted online, the agency solicited feedback from internal and external stakeholders about the key attributes and competencies needed for the optimal candidate to fulfill the needs of the position and to support the agency and the community it serves. Feedback received during that process was used to inform and support RTD’s recruitment efforts. The position was open for applicants between January 28 and February 28, 2025.

Jim Cook is an accomplished law enforcement executive with over 20 years of experience in public safety and transit policing. Currently serving as Assistant Chief of Police for the Amtrak Police Department, he oversees comprehensive operations protecting more than 34 million passengers annually across Amtrak's extensive network spanning 46 states and three Canadian provinces.

Throughout his career, Cook has risen through progressively challenging command positions, from Patrol Officer to his current executive leadership role. His expertise includes intelligence-led policing, counter-terrorism operations, internal affairs, and managing complex security initiatives for high-profile events across the country. He has championed community and customer-oriented policing initiatives that enhance both passenger experience and security outcomes. He has extensive experience coordinating incident response activities to major incidents, ensuring effective multi-agency collaboration during critical situations that impact rail transportation safety and security.

As a recognized leader in transportation policing, Cook has developed and maintained strategic partnerships with local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies.

Cook holds a Master of Arts in National Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. His leadership training includes prestigious programs such as the Senior Management Institute for Police (PERF) and the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. He formerly served as the Intelligence Sub-Committee Chair of the Surface Transportation Security Advisory Committee (STSAC) and holds professional memberships in several major law enforcement associations.

Download a high-resolution version of Jim Cook's headshot

Acting Chief Steven Martingano holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from St. John’s University, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 287 and will receive a master’s in public safety from the University of Virginia in May 2025. Martingano began his law enforcement career in 1992 as a NYPD Police Cadet and then served as a police officer at the 104pct in Queens, NY.

In 1996, he moved to Colorado, serving seven years with the Arvada Police Department, and the Denver Police Department for 11 years. While at DPD, Martingano worked secondary employment for RTD for 10 years. In 2015, he joined RTD as a Commander and was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2017.

During his time with RTD, he modernized police deployment and response model by introducing sector policing; he also pioneered the first mental health co-responder unit in transit policing, which later expanded to include homeless outreach. These efforts led to him co-founding the National Transportation Vulnerable Populations Working Group and becoming a subject matter expert for American Public Transportation Association security peer reviews.

Utilizing his knowledge and expertise in policing and transit, on July 1, 2024, RTD named Martingano Acting Chief. His leadership and implementation of a four-step action plan focused on visibility, customer education, fare enforcement, and technology has led to a reduction in crime by over 30%. To further reinforce community safety, Martingano has also been on the forefront of expanding from five officers to the goal of 150 officers in 2025.

Download a high-resolution version of Steven Martingano's headshot