Metro Transit Police Department
The Metro Transit Police Department is responsible for providing "enhanced" policing of Metro's bus system and routes across the county, particularly focused along the I-5 corridor, to deter crime and enhance safety during Metro's 200,000 daily boardings.
This service model for Metro Transit enables the Metro Transit Police to provide an “enhanced” service that is above the standard services provided by local law enforcement agencies across King County. Metro Transit Police support Metro’s Long Game which is a blueprint for leveraging the power of public transportation to advance equity by supporting underserved communities, providing economic opportunities, and combating climate change. Safety is a major component to the success of the Long Game and the Metro Transit Police understand the role they play in this effort.
Metro Transit Police enforce local and state laws as well as address Metro Transit Code of Conduct violations while conducting data driven patrols, where needs are greatest. In addition, Metro Transit Police prioritize employee assaults and sexual misconduct violations that occur on and near transit. In their effort to protect both Metro operators and riders, Metro officers focus on visible presence on Metro coaches and properties to deter crime.
Officers also train operators and other transit employees about maintaining safe and secure transit system. In addition, deputies and detectives work on proactive projects to prevent crimes, but when crimes occur, deputies focus on an efficient and professional response. As coaches operate through other police jurisdictions, partnership with local agencies is instrumental in providing service to those that are affected. Metro Transit Police values Focusing on Service, Being Responsive, and Staying Active for Metro Transit employees and customers.
Policing a transit system is a unique opportunity to contribute to the mobility needs of community members to improve lives, connect communities, and provide opportunities. The success of any transit agency is directly proportional to the ability to keeps its employees and customers safe and we have the honor of providing a significant support for that success. Our team is committed to Service, Responsiveness, and Staying Active to make our system safe.
Unique to the Metro Transit Police team is a Bicycle Emphasis Enforcement Squad (BEES), and a K9 unit whose sensitive nose is trained to sniff out 19,000 different scents related to explosives and firearms. Metro Transit Police also partner with Sound Transit Police to provide a dedicated anti-terrorism team known as JTATT (Joint Transit Anti-Terrorism Team). This team not only supports visible deterrence and operations focused on terrorism, but also provides valuable training to civilian and commissioned employees on proper response to mass casualty events.
Frequently asked questions
To request records from the Sheriff's Office including police reports, case records, etc., go to the Sheriff's online records request page.
Contact the King County Sheriff's Office Property Management Unit:
- Phone: 206-296-4078
- TDD: 1-800-833-6388
- Location: 4623 7th Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98108
Contact the King County Sheriff's Office Communication Center at 206-296-3311. You will need to have the exact date, approximate time of arrest and subject's name.
Metro contracts with the King County Sheriff's Office to provide police services to promote safety and security on the Metro Transit System for transit employees and riders. Metro Transit Police is one of many contracts provided by the King County Sheriff's Office. Our Metro Deputies, Detectives and Sergeants go through a selection process to gain a position in the Metro Transit Police Department. Our primary focus is responding to crimes occurring on Metro buses/property, crimes against Metro employees and our customers. Our deputies proactively patrol the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel, Metro Transit Stations, Metro buses, bus shelters and all Metro related facilities.
If you would like to request an appeal of your suspension, a rider contract, or have questions about your suspension, you may contact Metro by calling 206-255-4013 or by sending an email.
Written requests may also be sent to:
Metro Transit Police
TSO-TR-4501
201 S Jackson Street
Seattle, WA 98104-3856