GCRTA names new transit police chief

Deirdre R. Jones has been appointed as chief of police and director of security for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA).

Chief Jones is a 32-year veteran of the Cleveland Division of Police, serving most recently as acting deputy chief of administrative operations. Chief Jones will assume her new position at RTA on May 3, 2021.

“We are pleased to welcome Chief Jones to RTA,” said Dr. Floun’say R. Caver, RTA’s acting CEO and general manager.  “Chief Jones is a great addition to our team, bringing with her a wealth of policing experience.”

During her time with the Cleveland Division of Police, Chief Jones has held a wide range of positions with increasing levels of responsibilities. She has served as a sergeant in the Domestic Violence Unit, Homicide Unit, Integrity Unit, as well as Basic Patrol Unit.  In December 2016, she was promoted to commander of the Bureau of Support Services.  Additionally, Chief Jones was appointed to the department of safety’s first-ever LGBTQ Liaison for police, fire and EMS. In this position, her responsibilities included promoting equity and inclusion throughout the department of safety, while cultivating and nurturing a relationship of trust between the LGBTQ community and the city’s safety forces.

"The role of the transit police is to provide safe and secure riding environment of our customers, as well as a similar work environment for other RTA staff,” said Chief Jones. “I look forward to becoming a member of the GCRTA team to ensure that our core values include building and strengthening relationships with the community and treating those who use the transit system with dignity and respect."

Chief Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in human services management from the University of Phoenix and earned a Master of Public Administration from Villanova University.  She currently serves as an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio.