The Regional Transportation District Transit Police Department reported marked reductions in security incidents and drug-related reports across the transit system in 2025.

The department cited the consistent declines as a leading accomplishment in a year-end statement on community safety progress, according to a news release.

Security calls fell about 21% on average through late autumn compared with the prior year. Drug activity reports dropped nearly 58% in the same span while extending a streak of monthly improvements, the agency said.

RTD attributes the gains to heightened fare enforcement that rose 500% since mid-2024.

Transit police and security teams now perform hundreds of thousands of checks monthly on rail lines. The stepped-up presence confirms paid rides, boosts visibility, and lets officers reinforce the Respect the Ride conduct code, the agency said in the release.

The department also commissioned a detective bureau in October to manage serious cases independently of the 40 law enforcement agencies across its 2,400-square-mile service area that spans eight counties and 40 municipalities in the Denver metro region. The unit investigates threats and other incidents across the multi-jurisdictional district. It includes a lieutenant, four detectives, and specialized support staff.

Officers completed training on cross-county arrest protocols. The in-house capability eases pressure on local partners short on resources, said the agency.

Another reported advance for the police department was expanding a program that keeps elevator doors open when units are idle. The program grew from a small 2024 pilot to 10 stations. Reprogrammed elevators sharply reduced related security calls and maintenance.

The department operates dozens of public elevators and expects a broader rollout in 2026. Several peer agencies reached out to adopt the model. A July 2, 2024, RTD release stated that early pilot findings inspired LA Metro to start an identical program.

Sworn officers rose to 105 by December, up from 67 the prior spring. The department added round-the-clock patrols, broadened homelessness outreach, and started a small cadet program.

Online metrics track incidents relative to ridership, while a dedicated page outlines broader safety measures.