POLICING MASS TRANSIT: SERVING A UNIQUE COMMUNITY

Policing mass transit systems presents distinct challenges to law enforcement. It also enables agencies to send a clear message that community-based polcing extends to communities distinguished not only by geographical boundaries but also by shared needs. The primary goal of policing mass transit is twofold: to enhance transit system safety and to reduce the fear of crime on transit systems. With these goals in mind, police must first develop a reliable method for measuring statistics that accurately relate the condition of the transit system in terms of security. These strategic measurements should be broad-based enough to provide a picture of the security needs of the entire system and take into account subjective assessments by passengers of transit security. With this information, police and transit authority officials can develop specific proactive strategies to enhance security throughout the transit system.