Security-Related Metrics
Transit Police Activity ReportsA lot of misperceptions exist in the Denver metro area about the personal safety and security of customers on our system. While we recognize that there are opportunities for improvement, the overwhelming majority of customers complete their trips without any issues or concerns.
In 2024, RTD had more than 65 million boardings across all modes of transportation. During that same time, there were approximately 43,000 security-related calls for service, or an average of 118 calls each day. That number includes all calls and text messages to RTD’s Transit Police Dispatch Center, as well as radio communications and incidents reported using the Transit Watch mobile application.
In February 2025, RTD received 2,511 security-related calls for service to the agency’s dispatch center. During that same month, RTD had approximately 4.7 million customer boardings, which equates to approximately one security-related report for every 1,900 boardings across the entire system. This metric includes everything from reports of graffiti and drug activity to noise complaints and unattended bags.
Customer calls and reports allow RTD-PD to know what is happening in real time across the entire system, become aware of problematic areas that need addressed, and employ data-driven policing strategies.
We also know that customers are not reporting everything they see or experience, which limits our ability to identify patterns, prevent potential threats, and create a welcoming transit environment for everyone. When you take the time to report a suspicious activity or concern, it makes transit safer and more secure.
Transit Watch Mobile ApplicationTransit Police: Monthly Activity Report
| January 2025 | February 2025 | March 2025 | April 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security-Related Calls for Service | 2,774 | 2,511 | ||
| Security-Related Calls for Service: Year-Over-Year Comparison | -34.0% | -43.7% | ||
| Systemwide Boardings* | 4,985,000 | 4,726,000 | ||
| Security-Related Calls for Service per Customer Boardings* | 1 : 1,797 | 1 : 1,882 | ||
| Transit Watch App Incident Reports | 234 | 202 | ||
| Rail Fare Checks | 317,264 | 377,169 | ||
| Criminal Incident Reports | 143 | 134 | ||
| Arrests | 50 | 48 |
*Boardings data for all modes of transportation is made available approximately six weeks after the last day of a month.
To see additional safety and security-related metrics, visit RTD's Performance Dashboard.
Performance DashboardGlossary of Terms
Security-Related Calls for Service
Total number of security-related telephone calls and text messages to the RTD Police Department Dispatch Center, as well as radio communications and all incidents reported using the Transit Watch mobile application.
Security-Related Calls for Service: Year-Over Year Comparison
A year-over-year comparison of the same month in the prior year.
Systemwide Boardings
Total number of customer boardings (i.e., ridership) across all modes of transportation, including bus, light rail, commuter rail, and paratransit services. Ridership numbers are publicly available approximately six weeks after the last day of a month.
Security-Related Calls for Service per Customer Boardings
A comparison of the total number of security-related calls for service and customer boardings.
Transit Watch App Incident Reports
Total number of incidents reported by customers via RTD’s Transit Watch mobile application. RTD actively encourages customers to use the app, which is available in English and Spanish, to anonymously or discreetly report any suspicious activities, safety concerns, or other non-emergency issues with Transit Police dispatchers.
Rail Fare Checks
Total number of contacts made by security personnel to verify individuals have valid fare on light rail or commuter rail vehicles. Fare checks include scanning mobile passes and inspecting paper fare media to ensure it is valid.
Criminal Incident Reports
Total number of unlawful events or activities that result in RTD-PD completing a criminal report. These reports include offenses such as theft, assault, vandalism, drug-related activity, and other violations of criminal law and arrests.
Arrests
Total number of individuals taken into custody by RTD-PD in connection with a criminal incident report.