Summit highlights Metro safety enhancements, regional collaboration

On April 29, Metro and COG jointly hosted a first-ever Safety and Security Summit, convening fire chiefs, police chiefs, and 911 center directors for a deep dive to learn more about Metro's safety and security strategies, crime reduction efforts, and emerging technologies and training resources. U.S. Senator Mark Warner also joined the gathering, which served as an opportunity for area leaders to discuss opportunities for greater collaboration.

Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke highlighted encouraging progress across the transit system, including a 65 percent drop in crime over the past two years and the lowest crime rate in seven years. He said that public perception of safety on the system has significantly increased. He also noted productive discussions with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy focused on advancing additional safety enhancements throughout the Metro network.

Metro Transit Police Department Chief Michael Anzallo spoke about the growing presence of security personnel across the Metro system, including inside subway cars and at stations during peak hours to enhance visibility and deter crime. He detailed ongoing efforts to combat fare evasion, which is down 82 percent since Metro completed the installation of new faregates last year. He also shared plans for a forthcoming policy that will prohibit individuals convicted of assault or sexual offenses from accessing the transit system.

In addition to presentations from Metro staff on its Metro Integrated Command and Communications Center (MICC), new safety features on its existing and future bus and rail fleets, and plans for a new training center, leaders from COG spoke about the region's strong track record of public safety partnership.

Executive Director Clark Mercer underscored how the regional Mutual Aid Agreements among fire and police departments have been vital to coordinated responses during disasters and emergencies. He also highlighted that joint procurement efforts across jurisdictions help the region save significantly on major safety and communications equipment purchases.

Arlington County Fire Department Chief David Povlitz, who serves as Co-Chair of the COG Fire Chiefs Committee, highlighted key technical advancements that have strengthened communication and coordination among agencies and jurisdictions. He noted the successful expansion of cell coverage throughout Metro's underground network and shared plans for a cutting-edge radio system.

During the fatal Metrorail smoke incident in 2015, radio issues prevented fire and rescue personnel from communicating with each other and with Metro officials. Following that incident, the COG Fire Chiefs Committee and Metro have coordinated closely to ensure enhanced communications protocols, regular testing of equipment, training for first responders, and the rapid reporting and timely repair of all systems. The region continues to support the Rail Fire Liaison embedded in the MICC, who is a local fire department uniformed officer that provides real time information and coordination among local fire departments, jurisdiction incident commanders, and Metro personnel for around two thousand responses to medical, fire, and public safety emergencies each year.

In his remarks to the summit participants, U.S. Senator Mark Warner from Virginia also underscored the critical importance of regional collaboration in protecting the DMV. He addressed the pressing challenges posed by federal budget constraints and workforce reductions, emphasizing the need for unified strategies to ensure the region's safety, resilience, and continued growth, while encouraging local officials to work with the region's congressional delegation to advance their shared priorities.

The inaugural summit provided a valuable forum for the region's public safety leaders to exchange insights and collaborate on advancing safety at Metro and across the region. With the ongoing close collaboration with local jurisdictions, integration of cutting-edge technology, and strengthened enforcement strategies, Metro remains firmly committed to being the safest transit system in the nation.