Multnomah County Sheriff's Office TriMet Police Annual Report - CY2025 - Flipbook - Page 6
TriMet's Transit Police
Data-Driven Decision-Making
TriMetʼs Transit Police relies on data-driven insights to help ensure we are operating effectively and meeting
the needs of riders and TriMet. Working closely with the Multnomah County Sheriffʼs Office Planning and
Research Unit, we analyze system-wide trends to understand where our presence is needed most. By using
these insights to inform our staffing models, we focus resources strategically to support a safe and
welcoming environment on the system.
Rather than treating all public safety issues identically, TriMetʼs Transit Police utilizes the stratified policing
model to categorize incidents by their frequency and complexity. Daily issues are handled by front line
patrols, while complex, chronic patterns are elevated to command staff and specialized units to address
collaboratively with regional partners.
A cornerstone of this approach is place-based, problem-oriented policing. This strategy focuses on the
unique environmental factors of specific transit locations rather than on the individuals moving through
them. When applied to a transit system, place-based policing is a tool for community care and prevents
indiscriminate policing. This model recognizes that crime clusters are driven by situational variables – such
as poor visibility, a lack of public safety cameras, or environmental design challenges. By remediating the
place, we address the root cause of criminal activity without targeting specific groups. This work, and our
proactive approach, directly benefits the daily commuters and transit staff.
Given the vast scope and dynamic nature of the transit system, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) data may
not capture all field activities, such as routine community engagements or events that do not require
official police action. Nevertheless, CAD data remains the most comprehensive and reliable source for
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assessing law enforcement activity within the transit system.
