Dayton, Ohio – The Dayton Police Department and the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) have joined forces to introduce a new public safety initiative aimed at improving security for passengers, employees, and visitors throughout downtown Dayton.
The new program, known as the Transit Officer Safety Initiative, creates a closer partnership between local law enforcement and the regional transit agency by placing dedicated police officers within the transit system.
Under the agreement, the Dayton Police Department will assign three full-time police officers to patrol RTA property, with a primary focus on Wright Stop Plaza and nearby transit corridors. Officials say the officers will provide a visible law enforcement presence while working to prevent crime, respond quickly to incidents, and build stronger relationships with riders and transit employees.
Dedicated officers to focus on transit safety
The assigned officers will conduct proactive patrols throughout the transit system, respond to emergency calls, interact with passengers, and coordinate closely with RTA safety and security personnel. City and transit leaders believe this approach will improve safety while making riders feel more comfortable using public transportation.
Dayton City Manager Shelley Dickstein praised the partnership and said it builds on broader efforts to improve the downtown experience.
“I am extremely grateful for RTA’s partnership and Chief Henderson’s leadership,” said Dayton City Manager Shelley Dickstein. “This investment continues efforts to address safety concerns in the core of our downtown creating a more positive experience for those seeking to live, work, play and create downtown.”
Dayton Police Chief Eric Henderson said the initiative reflects the importance of cooperation between public agencies.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility, and strong partnerships are essential to serving our community,” said Dayton Police Chief Eric Henderson. “This partnership with RTA allows us to provide a consistent law enforcement presence within the transit system, strengthen relationships with riders and employees, prevent and respond quickly to incidents at the RTA Hub, and work proactively to enhance safety throughout the RTA transit environment.”
RTA Chief Executive Officer Robert Ruzinsky also highlighted the agency’s long-standing commitment to improving safety in downtown Dayton.
“We are proud to partner with Dayton Police in a program that will have three full-time dedicated officers working directly on RTA property to further enhance safety at the transit center and surrounding areas,” said RTA CEO Robert Ruzinsky. “As a longstanding community partner, RTA has always taken a proactive approach to improving safety downtown. Over the past year, RTA renovated RTA-owned property for use as a temporary downtown police substation, helping establish a more visible police presence downtown. RTA also purchased a vacant parking garage, which has helped advance a larger redevelopment project, now under construction.”
Officials say the Transit Officer Safety Initiative is expected to provide a stronger police presence in key transit areas while encouraging cooperation between law enforcement, transit staff, and the public. By placing officers where thousands of people travel each day, city leaders hope to create a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone who depends on public transportation in Dayton.
