The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) is implementing a series of new security measures to enhance passenger safety on buses and at transit centers following a string of violent incidents.

A History of Violence on Public Transit

In the past year alone, the RTC has witnessed several disturbing crimes onboard buses, including a preschool student accidentally shot during an altercation and a passenger stabbed to death.

Taking Action to Ensure Safety

In response to these troubling events, the RTC is taking a multi-pronged approach to improve security:

• Increased Security Officer Presence: Starting July 1st, the RTC will be partnering with a new security contractor, leading to a significant increase in the number of security personnel. The current force of 250 officers will be expanded to 300.
• Armed Security Officers: Previously, only 70% of RTC security officers were armed. Under the new initiative, all security officers will be armed and stationed at transit centers.
• Enhanced Patrol Capabilities: The RTC has invested in new security vehicles for its officers and has revamped its internal security mapping system to optimize response times to incidents.
• AI-Powered Video Surveillance: The RTC has implemented a new AI-powered camera system at its facilities. This advanced technology can detect firearms being drawn, allowing for immediate notification of security personnel and law enforcement.

RTC Committed to Public Safety

Tom Atteberry, Director of Safety & Security Operations at RTC, emphasized the agency’s unwavering commitment to passenger and driver safety. “We’re always concerned about security,” stated Atteberry. “The more people we can put out on the street to protect the residents and drivers of Southern Nevada, we’re going to do that.”

These new measures aim to create a safer environment for everyone utilizing the RTC public transportation system.

Source: Fox5Vegas