Metro News Release

For immediate release: April 13, 2011

High-visibility police effort designed to enhance rider security


Metro Transit Police, Prince George’s County Police Departments partner in show of force

University Park, Mt. Rainier and Prince George’s County police joined the Metro Transit Police for the Blue Tide exercise at West Hyattsville. The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD), Prince George’s County Police Department, New Carrollton Police Department, University of Maryland Police Department, Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office, Capitol Heights Police Department, University Park Police, City of Hyattsville Police Department and Mount Rainier Police Department will conduct a major, high-visibility, crime prevention awareness and anti-terrorism outreach event at 15 Metrorail stations in Prince George’s County, Md., during this afternoon’s rush hour. Metro riders should expect to see heavy police presence at stations in Prince George’s County between 4 and 7 p.m.

Blue TIDE (Terrorism Identification and Deterrence Effort) is an initiative of the Metro Transit Police that is aimed at increased law enforcement efforts and deterring terrorist activity in the Metro system. It will include a number of security sweeps at Metrorail stations in Prince George’s County, with officers spreading out throughout the stations and boarding trains to look for suspicious activity. Blue TIDE serves to raise awareness and remind the public to remain observant while riding Metro and to report any suspicious behavior to the Metro Transit Police.

More than 100 officers from multiple law enforcement agencies, including members of the MTPD anti-terrorism team will be participating in the effort, providing a visible reminder to riders and the public that Metro remains vigilant against terrorist activity and works to ensure their safe and secure travel. Officers also will distribute crime prevention information at the stations, providing tips to riders on how to protect themselves and their property while traveling through the Metro system.

“We appreciate the continued and ongoing support we receive from the Prince George’s County Police Department and local law enforcement agencies in our coordinated efforts to protect Metro riders, employees and facilities,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Michael Taborn. “Our police department remains vigilant against criminal and terrorist activity, and today’s show of force is just one method we use to protect riders and deter terrorism.”

Metro Transit Police plan to conduct similar events in the future with other local law enforcement agencies.

The Metro Transit Police remind customers of the following:

• Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.

• Report any suspicious behavior, unusual activity, unattended items, smoke or odd odors to a uniformed Metro employee or call the Metro Transit Police at 202-962-2121.

• Use the emergency call boxes on station platforms and on all Metrorail cars to call Metro personnel for assistance, if needed.

News release issued at 10:22 am, April 13, 2011.