Bay Area Rapid Transit Police Department

BART Police Department
Company type	Transit law enforcement agency
Industry	Law enforcement
Founded	1972
Headquarters	Oakland, United States
Key people	Chief Kevin Franklin
Products	Transit policing, security, counter-terrorism
Number of employees	Approximately 300 staff members, including more than 200 sworn officers
Website	www.bart.gov/about/police

The BART Police Department (BARTPD), formally known as the Bay Area Rapid Transit Police Department, serves as the dedicated transit law enforcement agency for the BART system in California. The force comprises approximately 300 staff members, including more than 200 sworn officers. Leadership of the department, encompassing law enforcement, parking enforcement, and community engagement, is under Chief Kevin Franklin. BART Police collaborates with other regional law enforcement through mutual aid agreements. The department attracted national attention in 2011 and 2012 following incidents involving officer-related fatalities of transit riders.

In response to heightened terrorism threats after the September 11 attacks, BART intensified its security measures. The police department regularly conducts training exercises, participates in counter-terrorism task forces, and assigns an officer full-time to the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force. A command-level officer acts as a liaison for mutual aid, counter-terrorism efforts, and homeland security coordination. Additionally, BART’s canine units are certified for explosives detection.

The BART Police Department strives to establish a community-focused organization that rigorously combats crime while delivering excellent customer service. Zone commanders work closely with passengers, employees, community organizations, educational institutions, and local businesses to enhance personal safety, improve quality of life, and safeguard property for all who use or work within the BART system.

History

In 1969, three years prior to BART commencing revenue operations, the transit district's board initially recommended that local police and sheriff departments patrol BART properties within their respective jurisdictions. However, this proposal was declined by police chiefs and sheriffs due to concerns over jurisdictional disputes and inconsistent service levels. As a result, legislation was enacted to create an independent BART Police Department.

During its first 13 years, all officers operated out of headquarters located in Oakland. In 1985, a detachment was established at a Concord field office to improve patrol effectiveness by removing the need for a 20-mile commute. This increase in police visibility benefited both passengers and staff, leading to the opening of three additional field offices within half a year.

In July 1993, then-Police Chief Harold Taylor recommended restructuring into four geographic zones with dedicated headquarters and resources for each. A peer review panel supported this reorganization and emphasized fostering closer cooperation between BART Police, transit personnel, community groups, businesses, and schools served by BART.

Command-level officers also provide consultation on planning future expansions of the BART system to Warm Springs and Santa Clara County.

In April 2011, the department revised their badge design from an eagle-topped shield to a traditional seven-point star commonly used in the Bay Area. Uniforms continue to feature a dark blue color scheme similar to that of the San Francisco Police Department.

Officers are equipped exclusively with SIG Sauer P320 pistols; however, they may carry other department-approved firearms provided they purchase them personally.

Bruce Edward Seward

In 2001, Bruce Edward Seward, who suffered from mental illness and was at Hayward Station, was fatally shot after reportedly seizing an officer’s nightstick upon awakening.

Oscar Grant

In 2009, officer Johannes Mehserle fatally shot Oscar Grant III at Fruitvale station. The event was captured by bystanders on cell phones and widely disseminated through social media and news outlets, drawing significant public scrutiny. The shooting sparked both peaceful demonstrations and violent protests.

Mehserle was arrested on charges of second-degree murder but pleaded not guilty. In 2010, he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to two years in custody at Los Angeles County Jail, with parole granted in 2011.

Civil rights attorney John Burris filed a $25 million wrongful death lawsuit against BART representing Grant’s family.

In response to these events, BART created a civilian oversight committee for police conduct incidents. This development was supported by Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, BART director Carole Ward Allen, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who enacted legislation establishing an Independent Auditor role to improve police accountability.

Charles Hill

In 2011, Charles Blair Hill, a homeless individual suffering from mental illness, attacked two officers wielding weapons at San Francisco's Civic Center / UN Plaza station. After reports indicated Hill was intoxicated and armed with two knives and a broken bottle, BART police responded by shooting him. Within twenty-three seconds of their arrival, officers discharged three shots, resulting in Hill's death. BART Police Chief Kenton Rainey affirmed that the use of deadly force was justified.

Hill's shooting sparked a largely peaceful yet disruptive demonstration involving approximately seventy-five participants at the Civic Center and 16th Street Stations on July 11. Protesters obstructed traffic along Mission Street and engaged in acts of vandalism; one individual was detained on charges related to intoxication.

Sahleem Tindle

In January 2018, Officer Joseph Mateu fatally shot Sahleem Tindle amid a confrontation between two men disputing possession of a firearm. After hearing gunfire and intervening, Mateu fired three shots into Tindle’s back. This event prompted a civil rights lawsuit against BART; however, prosecutors chose not to press charges.

Cell phone network shutdown

On August 11, 2011, BART authorities disabled the public cellular network within downtown San Francisco stations to prevent an evening protest against police actions that was being organized through online platforms and text messaging. This incident represents the first known instance in the United States where a government entity deliberately interrupted public communications to hinder a protest. The American Civil Liberties Union condemned the action as an effort to suppress dissent.

Operations

The BART Police Department consists of various roles including peace officers, community service officers, dispatchers, revenue protection personnel, and administrative employees. The majority of officers are assigned to patrol duties, while others serve within specialized operational units.

The patrol division operates in a decentralized manner across six police zones, each supported by headquarters and satellite offices. Additional divisions encompass criminal investigations, personnel and training, records management, warrants processing, crime analysis, traffic administration, property and evidence handling, and revenue protection. Oversight of internal affairs and budget management falls under the chief’s office.

Specialized teams include field training officers, K9 units, background investigators, crime analysts, administrative traffic officers, members embedded with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), special enforcement squads, recruitment personnel, human resources staff, and crisis intervention specialists.

BART Police facilities are situated in: Castro Valley, Daly City, Concord, El Cerrito, Hayward, Oakland, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, San Bruno, San Francisco, San Leandro, Fremont, San Jose, and Walnut Creek.

Fatality

There has been one fatality among BART police officers while performing duty.

Officer	Date of Death	Details
Detective Sgt. Tom Smith	Template:Center	Gunfire (friendly fire)

External links