BART Board approves continuing the Police Ambassador Program

The Bay Area Rapid Transit's (BART) Police Ambassador Program was formalized Oct. 22 following board approval. 

The program launched February 2020 as a pilot program to deploy 10 unarmed uniformed personnel to provide a visible presence to riders and increase overall safety and security.

During the pilot program, customer surveys showed an increase in the perception of uniformed presence aboard trains. The ambassadors conducted more than 5,700 platform checks and were contacted by more than 6,700 customers.

Ambassadors also conducted more than 7,300 additional educational contacts, serving as an important component of BART’s educational campaign to encourage compliance with mandated face coverings.

The unarmed ambassadors have been recruited from the ranks of the BART Police Department’s Community Service Officers, non-sworn personnel who perform a variety of police services. The ambassadors received additional de-escalation and anti-bias training before the program launched.

The ambassadors wear easily-identifiable uniforms distinct from those of community service officers or fare inspectors. They are equipped with radios to report safety and security concerns or biohazards. The ambassadors are also trained to respond to customers’ questions, complaints or requests for service. They observe and report and call upon an officer when enforcement is needed. 

The ambassadors will now be part of the Progressive Policing and Community Engagement Bureau, established Aug. 31, 2020. Under the command of a deputy chief, the bureau will include 10 ambassadors and 10 crisis intervention specialists under the supervision of two community outreach specialists. 

BART staff is working with the unions representing BART police to finalize the details of the Ambassador Program.