Metro News Release

For immediate release: February 15, 2006

Metro’s Web Site Now Provides Enhanced Metro Transit Police Statistics and Information

Metro’s Web site is now the home to a newly enhanced Metro Transit Police Department page with a variety of features including a new weekly police crime listing, tips on safety for bus and rail riders, auto theft prevention tips and emergency preparedness information.

People wishing to access Metro Transit Police information at http://www.wmata.com/riding/safety/safety.cfm now see a weekly police report detailing all incidents taken by the Metro Transit Police. The report is updated each Monday.

In addition to the weekly police report, the Transit Police page provides an overview of the Metro Transit Police department; a five-year crime report; a year-to-date crime and enforcement report; reports of incidents taken by other local law enforcement agencies on Metro property; links to other regional law enforcement agencies; safety tips pertaining to auto theft, riding Metro late nights, and how customers can protect themselves and their personal items.

"We want our riders to be able to see for themselves what kind of crime is reported to the Transit Police, and to provide tips to make their trip safer," said Polly Hanson, Metro’s Chief of Police. "We have also provided web links to other police departments so that our customers can access information about crime that may occur off Metro property but in locales that may comprise part of their trip."

The Metro Transit Police Web page also provides key safety and security tips for riding Metrobus, Metrorail, and how everyone should be prepared for an emergency situation on Metrorail or Metrobus.

"We want our riders using Metrorail and Metrobus to enjoy their trip in a safe and secure manner," said Chief Hanson. "Anytime something unusual or suspicious occurs in the Metro system, our passengers should always seek out a uniformed Metro employee, or contact the Metro Transit Police 24-hour communications center at (202) 962-2121

News release issued on February 15, 2006.