MTA Police
Our values
Leadership
To set by example the standards we expect others to follow.
Integrity
To maintain the highest ethical principles
Diversity
To respect individual differences as a source of our strength
Performance
To strive for continuous improvement through our commitment to quality public service
Empowerment
To encourage responsible decision making at all levels
Professionalism
To always conduct ourselves in a manner that merits respect and confidence
About us
Our department is responsible for patrolling and securing Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station, and the infrastructure—including tracks, yards, shops, stations, and railroad crossings—of Metro-North, the LIRR, the Staten Island Railway, and select subway stations throughout the mass transit system. We have nearly 1,200 sworn officers and civilians who work in eleven districts extending across 14 counties in New York and Connecticut. We also work in these special units:
- Canine
- Computer Crimes
- Emergency Services Unit
- Detective Division
- Highway Unit
- Special Conditions Unit
- Homeless Assistance Unit
- Interagency Counterterrorism Task Force
- Internal Affairs
We are honored to serve and protect the travelers of the largest transportation system in North America. We strive for a strong relationship with the public in order to keep our system safe, and we carry out our mission with dedication and professionalism.
History of the department
The department began in 1998, with the consolidation of the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad police departments. In 2005, the Staten Island Railway Police Department merged with us. After 9/11, we increased our counterterrorism capabilities, adding canine teams and emergency services officers.
On March 3, 2016, we attained accreditation status from the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services—Accreditation Council.