Metro Transit to increase winter officer presence
Metro Transit announced Nov. 12 it will boost uniformed presence on Twin Cities light-rail trains and stations this winter—adding police, Community Service Officers, TRIP Agents and contracted security during peak and late-evening hours—under its Safety and Security Action Plan. Interim Chief Joe Dotseth and GM Lesley Kandaras said staffing is at its highest since 2021, 24/7 security coverage is planned at 15 busy boarding locations, and new security posts will be added at Snelling Ave (Green Line) and the Warehouse District and Nicollet Mall stations (Blue Line).
Transit & Infrastructure
Public Safety
📌 Key Facts
- Press conference held Nov. 12, 2025 at U.S. Bank Stadium Station
- Current staffing: 116 police officers, 26 Community Service Officers, ~100 TRIP Agents by year-end, and 200+ supplemental security officers
- Security officers to staff 15 high-traffic boarding locations up to 24 hours/day; currently at nine, with expansions to Snelling Ave (Green), Warehouse District and Nicollet Mall (Blue)
- Initiative builds on the Safe and Strong University Avenue model coordinating police, service providers, and prosecutors to reduce crime and connect people to services
- Multi-layered approach includes proactive enforcement and rider education on codes of conduct; personnel trained in de-escalation