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    1. Safety & Security

    MDOT MTA Police Chief John E. Gavrilis to retire in December

    Nov. 23, 2021
    Under the chief’s leadership, MDOT MTA was recognized as the safest big-city transit system for seven consecutive years.
    Related To: Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)
    MDOT MTA
    Chief Gavrilis celebrated his retirement with colleagues.
    Chief Gavrilis celebrated his retirement with colleagues.

    Police Chief Col. John Gavrilis announced his retirement from the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA).

    Gavrilis, a respected law enforcement official credited with reducing crime and enhancing security in Baltimore’s transit system, announced his retirement effective Dec. 1. Gavrilis, a recipient of numerous medals for bravery and letters of commendation during his 48 years as a law enforcement official, has led the 238-member MDOT MTA Police Force since 2009.

    “Chief Gavrilis has been one of MDOT MTA’s greatest champions and leaders, and I deeply appreciate the contributions that he has made during his tenure,” said MDOT MTA Administrator Holly Arnold. “We are a better agency thanks to his commitment to the safety of our riders and employees.”

    “Chief Gavrilis dedicated his career to the law enforcement community, to this city and to the men and women of the MTA Police Force. He has worked quietly and with great devotion to lead the best transit police force in the nation and the safest transit system,” added MDOT Secretary Greg Slater. “Through his efforts he has impacted people’s lives for the better, and he leaves for us his legacy and his mission to keep public safety as our number one priority.”

    Gavrilis has enjoyed a long record of distinguished service during his nearly half century in law enforcement. Heads of state, national leaders and everyday citizens of Maryland have been among the beneficiaries of his dedication, professionalism and leadership.

    In his 17 years at MDOT MTA, including 12 as chief, Gavrilis made his greatest mark in crime reduction. For seven years in a row, MDOT MTA has been recognized for having the fewest Part I crimes among the largest 12 transit agencies in the country, according to an independent study conducted by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). Part I crimes refer to serious offenses that are likely to be reported to police and include aggravated assault, arson, criminal homicide, rape and robbery.

    Gavrilis credits the dedication and hard work of MDOT MTA police officers for his success, and notes the CompStat Process, which he brought to the MDOT MTA Police Force after having helped to develop it while at the Baltimore City Police Department. CompStat helps police deploy resources where they are needed most, using data driven and predictive policing models.

    Gavrilis has also been a leader in fostering regional cooperation among police agencies. MDOT MTA has about 50 memoranda of agreement with federal, state and local agencies, which greatly enhances the agency’s ability to provide a coordinated police response across the state. He has also championed numerous community outreach efforts at the MDOT MTA Police Force, where officers and civilian staff have supported the Special Olympics, fed hungry residents, donated school supplies to the needy and made for joyous holiday seasons for hundreds of youngsters through toy giveaways.

    Howard named Acting MDOT MTA Police Chief Major Jerome E. Howard has been named Acting MDOT MTA chief of police. A 24-year veteran of the force, Major Howard rose from the rank of officer to major and currently serves as Operations Bureau commander.

    Howard is a U.S. Air Force veteran, a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, and has received multiple commendations, awards and unit citations for bravery and dedicated service. Major Howard is the first MDOT MTA police officer to rise through the ranks to be appointed chief.