GRTC Launches Public Safety Officer and Public Safety Ambassador Program
GRTC is excited to announce the implementation of two new initiatives: the Public Safety Officer (PSO) Program and the Public Safety Ambassador (PSA) Program. These programs are designed to provide a visible and approachable presence throughout our system, enhancing the safety and support available to both riders and employees.
Public Safety Officers and Public Safety Ambassadors will serve as customer-focused resources in the field. Safety is our number one priority, and both teams are trained in de-escalation techniques to promote a positive and safe transit experience for everyone. This visible presence will not only help deter potential disruptions but will also ensure timely responses to incidents, reducing service interference and improving the overall transit experience.
By deploying PSOs and PSAs, GRTC aims to instill a sense of security for both riders and employees. These team members will be readily available to answer general service-related questions, assist with issues as they arise, and help maintain smooth operations across the system.
GRTC’s vision is that the presence of Public Safety Officers and Public Safety Ambassadors will create a safer, more welcoming environment for everyone. This effort is part of our commitment to improving safety, encouraging ridership, and ensuring efficient, reliable transit service throughout the region. This initiative aligns with additional safety measures that GRTC is implementing, including upgrades to camera systems and real-time monitoring to improve observation, deterrence, and proactive response capabilities. GRTC will integrate other proven deterrence mechanisms based on industry best practices, identified in collaboration with transit safety experts, to further strengthen a secure and welcoming transit environment.
Through these combined efforts, GRTC is committed to fostering a transit system where passengers and employees feel protected and valued. By enhancing our overall presence and support, we are working to build a secure transit experience that prioritizes community trust, accessibility, and operational excellence. We look forward to continuing to serve our community and enhancing the rider experience with these new programs.
Public Safety Ambassadors
Public Safety Ambassadors are unarmed GRTC employees trained in customer service, de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and first aid. Public Safety Ambassadors will ride aboard buses and visit stops throughout the system. They will be a visible, customer-focused presence to assist passengers, answer questions, and promote a positive transit atmosphere. The program is based on successful practices that are used at peer agencies in the country, especially those without their own transit police division.
Public Safety Officers
The Public Safety Officer role is designed to complement that of the Public Safety Ambassadors by providing additional safety presence at main transfer points, such as the Downtown Transfer Station and our Pulse BRT line. They will focus on maintaining a secure environment, deterring potential disruptions, and ensuring swift responses to incidents. These armed security professionals are contracted through Allied Universal Security Services – a firm with extensive transit experience that has worked with more than 40 other transit agencies in the country. Public Safety Officers are trained in specialized safety protocols and procedures, including de-escalation techniques, first-aid, CPR, and crisis intervention. In addition to GRTC operations supervision, the PSOs will also collaborate with local law enforcement and other community resources to assist with safety concerns across the system.
