Transit Patrol car parked by MAX station platform.

Transit Police Division

Transit Police Division officers ensure a safe transit system by riding trains and buses, and visiting platforms and stations. Officers respond to calls for service and investigate crimes that occur on TriMet property in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties.

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    What we do

    The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) leads the multi-agency Transit Police Division (TPD). Transit Police Division officers ensure a safe transit system by riding trains and buses, and visiting platforms and stations. Officers respond to calls for service and investigate crimes that occur on TriMet property in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties.

    The Transit Police Division is currently comprised of officers from four law enforcement agencies: the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Port of Portland Police Department, Beaverton Police Department and Hillsboro Police Department. As the command agency, MCSO provides a captain, who serves as the TriMet Transit Chief of Police, as well as a lieutenant, sergeants and deputies. Assigned to the Transit Police Division by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office are two deputy district attorneys, who prosecute crimes charged by TPD officers.

    MCSO became the administrative lead of the Transit Police Division following the approval of an intergovernmental agreement by the Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners, in March 2021. The agreement is valid through June 2028, and upon review, may be extended. You can read more about the agreement here.

    TriMet Security

    Police officers are not the only security presence on the transit system. TriMet contracted security personnel, TriMet operators, supervisors, customer service staff and maintenance workers also provide a presence throughout the system. They serve as visible deterrents to crime and are trained to identify and respond to security concerns. All incidents on the TriMet system are coordinated through the regional 9-1-1 system, allowing the closest available unit to serve as the first responders.

    Fare Inspection

    Transit Police Officers do not conduct fare enforcement. TriMet dedicates staff to check fares and issue warnings, citations and exclusions for riders without a valid fare. If someone is cited for fare evasion, there are ways to resolve the citation without paying a fine through TriMet.

    Security Cameras

    TriMet uses security cameras to monitor platforms, transit centers, vehicles, facilities and the Portland Transit Mall. All of TriMet’s transit centers, platforms, elevators, trains and buses are equipped with cameras. Cameras help deter criminal activity and the video can be used as evidence for prosecuting crimes. The cameras are not operated by the Transit Police Division. All public records requests for security camera footage must be directed to TriMet.

    TPD Milwaukie Mission

    Meet the Transit K9s

    Three K9s are currently assigned to the Transit Police Division. Certified by the TSA National Explosives Detection Canine Program, the K9s are specially trained in explosives detection. These K9s are a reliable resource at detecting explosives and providing a visible deterrent to terrorism directed towards transportation systems. The K9s are trained to operate in the aviation, multimodal, maritime, mass transit, and cargo environments.

    • Deputy in transit train with K9.
    • Deputy Wolf and K9 Skubi.
    • Officer in transit train with K9.

    Rider safety

    How you can help

    We also rely on riders’ eyes and ears to help keep the transit system safe. This is where you come in:

    Report suspicious activity

    • Call or text 9-1-1
    • If you see suspicious behavior or a suspicious package, or if there’s an emergency or unsafe situation on board, tell a TriMet employee or call or text 9-1-1.
    • MAX and WES trains have up to four emergency intercoms to reach the operator.
    • Free 9-1-1 calls can be made at pay phones located at all MAX/WES stations and transit centers.

    Don’t leave personal items unattended

    Please keep personal items, such as purses, bags, backpacks and packages, with you at all times. This helps us avoid unnecessary security alerts and delays.

    Listen for instructions in an emergency

    Please follow the instructions of the operator or other TriMet staff in the event of an emergency. They are trained to ensure your safety.

    $1,000 reward for crime information

    It is a felony under Oregon law to assault a TriMet operator or vandalize TriMet property. We offer a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of any person who assaults a TriMet employee or vandalizes TriMet property. To report a crime, call 911.