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    1. Safety & Security

    SEPTA Transit Police launch new YouTube channel

    Aug. 4, 2021
    The video aims to help detective solve crimes on the system.
    Related To: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
    SEPTA
    A screenshot of SEPTA's first video posted to the channel.
    A screenshot of SEPTA's first video posted to the channel.

    A new YouTube channel was launched by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Transit Police to release surveillance video to the public to help quickly identify suspects of crimes on the system. 

    "This initiative gives us the ability to easily distribute video to a wide audience as another tool to solve cases," said SEPTA Transit Police Chief Thomas Nestel. "The YouTube channel is also a way for SEPTA Transit Police to create an ongoing dialogue with SEPTA employees and riders." 

    SEPTA says the widespread adoption of YouTube has proven to be an invaluable resource for police departments across the country, including the Philadelphia Police Department. Since its debut in 2008, the Philadelphia Police YouTube channel has more than 19-million views and 32,000 subscribers. 

    SEPTA Transit Police officers worked with Philadelphia Police officers to learn how the Philadelphia Police Department uses the digital platform successfully. 

    Each video will include a narrative summarizing the incident, as well as any relevant surveillance video and photos.  

    The first video published on the channel shows the assault of a SEPTA employee. The authority is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. A Route 66 Bus Operator reported to SEPTA Transit Police that a man directed racial slurs at her, and as he exited the bus, the man threw a can of beer at the operator before displaying a knife. 

    SEPTA is urging anyone with information about this individual to immediately call or text SEPTA Transit Police. All tips can be kept confidential. 

    SEPTA Transit Police also plan to use the new YouTube channel to strengthen its relationships with the public by sharing positive stories and informational bulletins. 

    Members of the community and media outlets are encouraged to subscribe to the SEPTA Transit Police YouTube channel to receive instant notifications of new videos.