When there is a safety concern or a crime takes place on or around the transit system, the operators in the Transit Police Operations Communications Centre (OCC) receive those reports. Kristin Ory, one of these operators, received one such call regarding a person having a mental health crisis on the system, with the potential of self-harm.

Kristin dispatched a number of Transit Police officers and worked with policing partners who together negotiated with the person in crisis, successfully got them to safety and into the care they needed.

“The call took around six hours… It was an emotionally draining event but an example of how the teamwork of the call takers and police officers came together to ensure a successful outcome,” she said.

“I think one of the most interesting parts of our job in the OCC [often called “dispatch” by the public] is that each of us wears so many different hats while on duty. When you text or call in, depending on the nature of your report, the call taker will be asking you questions that all hold the goal of ensuring safety first.

“That same call taker may be calling for EHS or Fire, may be calling SkyTrain Control to hold trains, answering police officers as they come over the radio needing information on a file they are responding to, and listening to SkyTrain Attendant radios to get updates.

“The dispatcher is listening to all the work their team is doing and to neighbouring police agencies so that the officers responding to a call have the needed information to ensure public safety and the support and resources they need to do their job safely.

“We balance all this work by prioritizing the calls as they come in. It is a busy hub that keeps us on our toes, and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” says Kristin.

With the Transit Police OCC staffed 24/7, operators work ten-and-a-half-hour shifts and rotate from answering phones and texts, to dispatching officers, to calls for service. They also track all of the on-duty police officers’ locations at all times to make sure they are safe and the operators know who’s available to respond when there’s an incident. They also look up information in several different databases to help officers do their jobs. For example, they can let officers know if the person in their custody has any warrants. And they help coordinate responses to incidents with TransLink and external agencies.

“The best part of my role is that I get to talk to people. I love people, and being the voice they hear, who can help ease their worries when they are unsure of a situation involving a crime. I have learned how to be that “voice in the dark” for when others need help, and how to strategize as a dispatcher to ensure the safety of the members on the road and the public,” says Kristin. “It’s a gift to be in the seat we are in, one we earn through our training and hard work.”

It’s Emergency Services Dispatchers and 9–1-1 Awareness Week from April 9 to 15. If you find yourself contacting Transit Police, be sure to let the dispatcher who answers your call or text know how much you appreciate what they do to keep transit running.

Anyone who feels unsafe on transit, is worried about the safety of someone else, or sees anything suspicious can contact the OCC directly by phone at 604.515.8300 or by texting 87.77.77. Always call 911 in an emergency.

Connect with Transit Police Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

While many middle school, secondary school and post secondary schools have moved to provide classes online this year, many students will still need to take transit to school for at least a portion of their learning. If you’re heading off to school on transit by yourself for the first time– or you have a child who is – especially, during a pandemic, it can be a bit overwhelming. We hope these safety tips help you feel more confident in your journey.

1. Know how to call for help – save our contact numbers in your mobile phone: 604.515.8300 for calls, and 87.77.77 for texts. Learn about security features on the transit system. Look for transit staff during your journey. Transit Police, SkyTrain Attendants and Canada Line Attendants are often found near ticket machines or on platforms.
2. Be confident about where you’re going – plan your route. Leave early so you’re not rushed. Have another route ready as a backup in case there’s a delay on your primary route. Sign up for Transit Alerts.
3. Keep your personal belongings safe – take your backpack off and put it at your feet. Keep any valuables securely hidden in your bag. Be careful with your phone and other devices, especially when standing near transit vehicle doors.
4. Be aware of your surroundings –stay in well-lit areas. Keep one earbud out of your ear so you can hear what’s going on. If you see someone acting in a way that makes you uncomfortable, quietly move away – go to another part of the platform, sit closer to the bus driver, switch SkyTrain cars at the next station, etc. Share your concern with staff.
5. Report problems – whether someone has touched you inappropriately, you see another person being harassed, you’re worried about the well-being of someone slumped over in a seat, or there’s something else causing you concern, please let us know. Text 87.77.77 and someone will respond right away.

If you’re able to, wear your face mask at all times while onboard transit vehicles. Consider leaving your mask on while you’re waiting at bus stops, or while moving through transit stations. If someone who is not wearing a mask makes you uncomfortable, try your best to keep physical distance from them. Remember that some people have a legitimate need for an exemption from the mandatory mask policy. Read more about the policy here.

Transit is a great way to get to school and back. We hope you enjoy your trip.

Follow Transit Police on Twitter

Find Transit Police on Instagram

Visit Transit Police on Facebook

Children have the right to have peace and safety

As a Neighbourhood Police Officer with the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, I get to attend community events and give talks in the Tri-Cities. One of the best things about my job is meeting children and teaching them about transit safety.

~ Cst Jenny Chung

Most children love transit. Riding on the bus or SkyTrain is a treat; the SeaBus and West Coast Express can feel like an adventure. It’s important we help them feel safe and secure so that they can enjoy the ride. By encouraging them to adopt habits that protect their safety, they will be well prepared to start taking transit on their own.

Transit safety tips for children (and grown-ups, too)

• Wear reflective clothing to be seen by drivers as you walk to and from transit, and by the bus driver as you’re waiting at the bus stop. Try to stay in well-lit areas.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Move away from people who are acting in an unpredictable manner. Keep one earbud out of your ear when listening to music. Know where you are going and the transit schedule for your journey.
• Stop to greet Transit Police officers and other transit staff along your route, so that children can become comfortable approaching them if they’re ever separated from you.
• Keep valuables hidden. Keep your belongings close to you and not on the seat beside you.
• Sit in an aisle seat when traveling alone, so that you don’t get trapped if someone who makes you feel unsafe sits next to you.
• Point out safety features during your route so that your child knows how to call for help.
• Put Transit Police contact numbers – phone 604.515.8300 and text 87.77.77 – into your phone and your child’s phone when they are old enough to get one. Encourage them to call or text anytime that they don’t feel safe on transit. (Always call 911 in an emergency.)
• See something on transit? Transit Police encourages you to See Something, Say Something. Download the SeeSay Mobile App that connects all Transit Police channels into one, single mobile application.

Author: Constable Jenny Chung

Constable Jenny Chung worked as a Neighbourhood Police Officer for three years in the Northeast Service Area, which includes the Tri-Cities. She is back on the Transit Police patrol squad now. Follow Constable Jenny Chung on Twitter and Instagram.

If you’re interested in joining the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, whether as a police officer, or as support staff, visit their careers page to explore any opportunities.  You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

**This post originally appeared in the Tri-Cities Child Rights November newsletter**

It’s Bike to Work Week but did you know Metro Vancouver Transit Police Officers also conduct patrols using bikes at work? In 2017, Transit Police launched a Bike Program pilot project following an invitation to participate in cycle training with The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) Bike Team.

Building partnerships with local jurisdictional police is integral to our Neighbourhood Police Officer (NPO) Team and training together for a full week created strong and lasting relationships. However, the project’s main goal is to increase high police visibility in the Community Service Areas, defined in our Service Delivery Model.

What is Transit Police hoping to achieve?

Adding bike patrols into Transit Police’s regular ‘on the beat’ patrol schedule supports the objectives of the Transit Police Strategic Plan, including:

• Reduce Crime and Disorder
• Improve Feeling of Safety for Transit Customers and Staff
• Improve Understanding of Needs of Transit Customers and Staff in Order to Care for and Keep Them Safe
• Protect and Assist Vulnerable Persons
• Engage in Innovative and Efficient Methods to Anticipate Transit Growth, Social Change and Regional Community Safety Issues

Becoming more mobile has enabled our police officers to patrol to a greater extent in the surrounding areas of SkyTrain Stations and Bus loops. This has increased police presence, given our officers greater opportunities to interact with the public and also improve community partnerships with local businesses.

Riding bikes in their CSA will also help the NPOs build on their connection with Transit Operators and the Transit Security Bike Patrol team.

By the end of the summer, a total of seven Transit Police Officers are set to be cycle trained.

Learn more about the Transit Police Bike Program this Friday

This Friday, June 1, NPO Cst. Julien Ponsioen will be at Robson Square from 3pm to 6pm. Stop by to register your bike with 529 Garage for free and let your child ride a Transit Police bike.

Our partners at 529 Garage allow you to register your bike along with thousands of fellow cyclists who can keep a watchful eye on your bike if you do experience a theft.

Children will also have the opportunity to ride a Transit Police bicycle (with flashing lights!) through a course that will give them a taste of the training our officers go through. So bring your child down to become a certified junior bicycle officer.

Follow Cst. Julien Ponsioen on Twitter

Follow Cst. Bruce Shipley on Twitter

Support our BC Special Olympics athletes and the Polar Plunge!

Metro Vancouver Transit Police is a proud supporter of Special Olympics BC, since 2005 and has been dedicated to fundraising activities that benefit athletes with intellectual disabilities. This dedication to raising awareness through charitable fundraising events has seen Transit Police officers plunge into the freezing ocean, run up the hills of New Westminster, and putt a golf ball or two.

Every March, Transit Police staff plunge into the icy waters at Kitsilano Beach to raise money for Special Olympic athletes. The event raised over $100,000 last year alone! This is followed in May, when the Transit Police organizes a golf tournament sponsored by local businesses, and then in June as members participate in The Law Enforcement Torch Run through the streets of New Westminster.

The 2018 Polar Plunge takes place on Saturday, March 3, 10a.m at Kitsilano beach.

Consider donating to our team. All donations assist in supporting our BC Special Olympic athletes. Donate to the MVTP Polar Plunge Team.

About Special Olympics BC

Click here to learn more about Special Olympics BC: http://www.specialolympics.bc.ca/.

Check out our new display at Commercial-Broadway Station. We are promoting our non-emergency text number 87.77.77.

You can text us discreetly and in real time from anywhere on the transit system including the SkyTrain, bus, SeaBus or West Coast Express, or call us at 604-515-8300 if you have witnessed an incident, observed suspicious behaviour or if someone is making you feel uncomfortable.

Add us into your contacts, so we are always there to help.