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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
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    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Practices. Topic SG-21. Examining Delivery Models for Law Enforcement on Public Transit
</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2576269</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Public transit agencies across the United States are working to address security challenges, which have amplified since the COVID-19 pandemic. Shifts in travel patterns have reduced traditional peak-period ridership. Agencies are reporting an increased proportion of riders experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges, higher levels of fare evasion, greater use of transit systems by unhoused individuals seeking shelter, and an overall increase in behaviors that violate agency codes of conduct.

In response, transit agencies have adopted a range of approaches to address both rider and worker safety. A common theme has been expanded using law enforcement-related strategies. The common models include: (1) dedicated transit police departments; (2) contracted law enforcement services provided by local or regional police departments; and (3) hybrid models that combine sworn law enforcement with contracted security, civilian ambassadors, or other non-sworn personnel.

Transit agencies now face the challenge of determining which enforcement approaches are appropriate, effective, and cost-efficient within their operating environments. While each model presents advantages and disadvantages related to budget implications, transparency and accountability considerations, identifying what works and what’s most effective in reversing this trend is essential – while recognizing that the right approach may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. TCRP has conducted work related to this topic – fare evasion (2022), homelessness on transit systems (2024), customer perceptions of safety and security (2025), and impacts of drug use (2025). However, to date, no TCRP research examined how different law enforcement delivery models are structured, governed, and deployed within transit agencies, nor how these models influence safety, security, and customer and employee experiences.

The objective of this synthesis is to document and better understand how public transit agency’s structure, manage, and utilize law enforcement delivery models to support public safety. The synthesis will examine how transit police departments and other enforcement partners deploy resources; how agencies coordinate with law enforcement and non-law enforcement partners; and how different delivery models influence safety outcomes, code-of-conduct enforcement, and rider and workforce experience.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:36:15 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Legal Aspects of Transit and Intermodal Transportation Programs. Topic 20-03. Policing and Public Transportation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1722785</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Public transportation agencies strive to offer safe, clean, courteous, and accessible service for the safety, convenience, and comfort of their customers. To achieve these standards, public transportation agencies must enforce rules and police their system against problems like vagrancy, trespassing, vandalism, and violence. Some agencies have their own dedicated police force; others rely on local police. In either case, the policing of public transportation systems raises a variety of legal questions like coordination among forces, who has jurisdiction when a crime crosses city/county lines, the distinction between civil and criminal behavior, constitutional search and seizure issues, balancing public safety concerns with Second Amendment rights, evidentiary demands, and public records laws. In addition, public transportation systems rely upon police forces to enforce customer codes of conduct and to prevent stations and vehicles from becoming shelters for persons experiencing homelessness.
The objective of this research is to produce a report that provides practical advice and a summary of the law for lawmakers, police forces, public transportation agencies, and their attorneys to consult when making decisions about how to police public transportation systems. This research will result in (1) a comprehensive summary of the constitutional issues applicable to the policing of public transportation systems; and (2) a review of select public transportation agencies as examples of the organizational and contractual structures used to effectively police vehicles and premises.
Specific issues to be examined include:
(1) Fourth Amendment; 
(2) Second Amendment; 
(3) Homelessness; 
(4) Fare enforcement, including the use of post-certified versus non-post-certified officers, and the effects of an open/closed or paid-fare/free-fare system; 
(5) Common carrier; 
(6) Public relations;
(7) Discrimination/profiling; 
(8) Inter-force agreements; 
(9) Issues raised by multiple jurisdictions. 
The legal research digest should include the following:
(1) A comprehensive summary of constitutional issues relating to the policing of public transportation systems;
(2) A discussion of legal questions implicated by the enforcement of fare policies, codes of conduct, homelessness, and the general policing of public transportation;
(3) Reviews of lawsuits that have challenged or resulted from the policing of public transportation systems;
(4) A summary of the organizational and contractual structure of select public transportation agencies, including organizational charts, and inter-agency and inter-force agreements;
(5) Recommended strategies for effective administration, training, and enforcement; and
(6) Discussion of potential pitfalls: what terms or practices to avoid if possible.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2020 18:55:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1722785</guid>
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