Metro to Hire 17 additional Special Police Officers “to help reduce the possibility of theft or vandalism”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

I’m just curious – where do you feel more safe – on the bus or on the subway or equally safe on both? From a WMATA press release:

The new Special Police Officers will be assigned to Metrobus facilities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia to help reduce the possibility of theft or vandalism of Metro property. The increased security force will enable the Metro Transit Police Department to provide around-the-clock coverage at all Metrobus facilities without incurring overtime costs.

“Adding officers and continuing our K9 force, will allow Metro to continue its all important work of minimizing its security risks and preventing unsafe situations at its facilities,” said Mortimer Downey, who chairs Metro’s Safety and Security Committee. “By enhancing security at our facilities, we are providing additional safety for our customers and employees.”

Metro’s Finance and Administration Committee endorsed the plan to hire 17 additional Special Police Officers to increase security staffing of bus divisions and amend the operations budget to include the $900,000 annual cost.

Metro currently has 132 Special Police Officers on staff, providing security and access control at Metro’s bus facilities, rail yards and other Metro-owned or operated buildings.