Houston Metro to add 20 part-time police officers

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston Metro) Board od Directors approved funding on June 27 to add 20 part-time officer positions to rapidly expand the department. 

There are opportunities for experienced law enforcement officers, as well as individuals who are new to the field. Interested candidates can apply by visiting the careers page at www.ridemetro.org.  

The hiring initiative was proposed to improve security and the customer experience.

"We are working diligently to maximize opportunities and leverage our resources to make this a safer system," said Houston Metro President and CEO Tom Lambert. 

Established in 1982, the METRO Police Department (MPD) offers extensive training and various units such as Rail, Patrol, Criminal Investigations and K-9. Click here for a video to learn more about the department.

In addition to adding more police officers, the authority is making other security upgrades. The board approved a three-year, $3.4 million deep-cleaning contract. This will increase the frequency and detail of cleaning at METRORail stations and transit centers.

Staff is also working on plans to enhance landscaping and other maintenance services at all of the authority's more than 9,000 bus stops.

"It's about taking pride in our product and that begins with making sure the environment we offer our customers is clean and well maintained. That also goes a long way in improving security," Lambert added.

The board also approved a mystery rider contract to help monitor quality control.