Metro News Release

For immediate release: August 6, 2003

Metro Transit Police to join participation in "20th Annual National Night Out"

Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) officers will participate in the "20th Annual National Night Out" event on Tuesday, August 5, 2003. This event is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime program; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized against crime. In support of this effort, MTPD officers will distribute the Metrorail Late Night Travel Tips flyer to customers from 7 to 9 p.m. on August 5 at the following Metrorail stations: Ballston-MU, Columbia Heights, Wheaton, King Street, Minnesota Avenue, and Naylor Road.At Columbia Heights and Wheaton Metrorail stations, MTPD officers will distribute the flyers printed in Spanish.The flyer stresses the following tips, especially for customers who ride late at night:

  • Remain awake and alert to your surroundings and the people who are around you.
  • Travel with someone you know.
  • Don’t stand alone on a station platform.
  • If you feel uncomfortable, move toward other people or seek a Metro employee for assistance.
  • Ride in a rail car that is occupied by other people, or in the first subway car where the operator of the train is located.
    • Have your keys ready as you approach your car, always look inside before entering, and lock the doors as soon as you get inside.
  • If you have an automatic door unlocking system, make sure that you unlock only the door that you need to enter.
  • Relock your door immediately after entering your car.
  • Report objectionable conduct immediately:
    • Tell a police officer or Metro employee.
    • Use intercoms located on station platforms and at either end of every car in Metrorail trains.
    • Use telephones on platforms and near faregates as well.
To reach Metro Transit Police 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week to report any suspicious activity, customers can call MTPD’s communications line at 202-962-2121. For information about riding Metro, customers can log on to Metro’s Web site or call 202-637-7000 or TTY 202-638-3780.

News release issued on August 6, 2003.