DeKalb police announce plans to patrol transit buses

DeKALB – The DeKalb Police Department on Thursday announced plans to begin patrolling city public transit buses, with authorities citing a desire to be proactive.

Mike Neuenkirchen, Transit Manger for the City of DeKalb, said the transit program does not presently see significant reports of crime or disturbances on transit routes.

“Our partnership with DPD is designed to be proactive instead of reactive,” Neuenkirchen said in a news release. “Having a police presence on our transit routes will help keep our transit system safe as ridership increases.”

Starting in January, DeKalb police officers will patrol buses on a voluntary basis using voluntary overtime, according to the city. Costs for the police patrols will be paid for with federal transit assistance grants through the city of DeKalb’s Public Transit Division, according to the release. The program is part of a federal initiative meant to aid safety on public transportation, according to the city.

“The special transit patrols offered by DPD will provide a valuable resource in providing a safer transit riding experience,” Neuenkirchen said in a statement.

DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd said the additional patrols are expected to help assist the agency in its overall policing activities.

“Our officers will not only provide a visible presence for crime deterrence on transit routes, but these transit patrols will also allow our officers an excellent opportunity to engage with the community as part of this duty,” Byrd said in a statement.

The city oversees transit program planning for the DeKalb area, which last year provided 1,001,563 passenger trips, according to a news release.