DENVER (KDVR) — As of Wednesday, the Regional Transportation District’s Transit Police Department Detective Bureau officially rolled out and became operational. The new branch of RTD will allow for the transit service to investigate and prosecute its own crimes.
“We just wanted to let our partnering agencies know, hey, we are a full-service creditable police department,” Brian Cousineau, a commander with RTD Transit Police Department, said.
The department started working on the internal detective bureau back in January and now will be able to investigate crimes that happen across their multiple jurisdictions.
“The RTD-PD worked to establish bureau protocols across eight counties and 40 municipalities within RTD’s service area to formally prosecute personal crimes, involving any threat or use of force, and includes felony-level narcotics violations across the agency’s system or property,” RTD stated in a press release.
As of October, the department now has 96 transit officers. All of the officers completed the training provided by the detective bureau. Cousineau said that means when they get the call, they know how to secure the scene, talk to witnesses/victims and gather evidence.
“The training focused on proper documentation and procedures for in-custody arrests across all counties where offenders may be booked,” RTD stated in their press release.
Cousineau said they have also added an evidence room and a victim’s advocate specialist.
“RTD’s Victim’s Advocate Program Specialist Julie McKinster joined the detective bureau on Sept. 2,” RTD’s press release stated. “The role is essential to ensure the Transit Police Detective Bureau complies with the Colorado Victim’s Rights Act and that victims are aware of their rights.”
He said over the past 12-14 months, RTD-PD has worked hard to improve safety for riders. One rider named Charles told FOX31 he has noticed the improvements and hopes things continue in that direction.
“I’m glad they are doing that, a few people destroy it for the rest of us who need it,” Charles said.
Cousineau said for some crimes, they will still need to rely on partnering agencies, the higher-rated felony crimes.
“The newly launched detective bureau is just one of many strategies the Transit Police Department has implemented to support a Welcoming Transit Environment for RTD customers and employees,” RTD stated in the press release.
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