In 1976, Congress authorized the establishment of the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD). MTPD police officers have tri-state jurisdiction with responsibility for a variety of law enforcement and public safety functions in transit facilities throughout the Washington, DC Metropolitan area.

MTPD has an authorized strength of 468 sworn police officers, 140 security special police, and 101 civilian personnel. Officers provide a variety of law enforcement and public safety services on the Metrorail and Metrobus systems in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area.

MTPD police officers have jurisdiction and arrest powers throughout the 1,500 square mile transit zone that includes Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia for crimes that occur in or against Transit Authority facilities. It is the only tri-jurisdictional police agency in the country and serves a population of 3.2 million. MTPD protects and serves transit customers and employees by embracing modern policing through reforms that incorporate best practices in law enforcement and community outreach to foster public trust.