Metro News Release

For immediate release: April 25, 2008

New Maryland law affords more protection to Metro Transit Police officers

A new law signed by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley now includes Metro Transit Police officers under the state’s Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act.

Effective October 1, it will be a felony to assault a Metro Transit Police officer under the Maryland law. Currently, offenders are only charged with a misdemeanor. It is also a felony in the District of Columbia and Virginia to assault a Metro Transit Police officer.

“Passage of this legislation is a matter of safety for Metro riders and employees. I hope that this new law will help deter assaults on Metro Transit police officers and keep offenders out of the Metro system,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe.

News release issued at 3:42 pm, April 25, 2008.