Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Division

The Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Division is under the command of Deputy Chief Lewis Best. The Division includes the Intelligence Unit and works in collaboration with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and other partners on homeland security initiatives. In addition the Division is responsible for emergency preparedness planning.

Intelligence Unit

The MBTA Transit Police Intelligence Unit is responsible for the gathering, processing and dissemination of information and intelligence that pertains to the security of the MBTA. The Unit works closely with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies as well as various public and private entities. The unit serves as a central repository for information and intelligence, with the goal of maximizing the ability to detect, prevent, apprehend, and respond to criminal and terrorist activity that could impact the security of all public and private transportation systems in the state of Massachusetts. Read more

Emergency Preparedness

The MBTA Transit Police Department is charged with maintaining a safe environment within the transit system. In today's world, that means making sure the Department and the Authority work together to improve emergency response. As part of the MBTA Transit Police Department's efforts to increase emergency readiness, the Department and the Authority have focused energy on improving the MBTA's core infrastructure, public outreach and training. As the second transit authority to undertake a massive system-wide safety overhaul, the MBTA joins the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in leading the nation in public transportation emergency preparedness.

Full Scale Emergency Response Drills

The MBTA Safety Department in collaboration with the MBTA Transit Police Department conduct regular Full Scale Emergency Response Drills. Full Scale Emergency Response Drills are conducted to train local emergency responders and to evaluate the ability of the MBTA to effectively manage mass casualty incidents. Participating agencies include local EMS, fire and police departments, area hospitals, as well as agencies under the Executive Office of Public Safety, the National Guard, Massachusetts State Police, State Office of Homeland Security, and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

Graffiti Unit

The goal of the MBTA Graffiti Unit is to ensure a safe, clean, graffiti-free environment for the riding public to enjoy. As such, the unit is responsible for identifying and investigating all forms of graffiti that target MBTA property or conveyances, as well as helping to prosecute those found responsible. The Graffiti Unit has established partnerships and information sharing arrangements with law enforcement agencies not only in the Commonwealth, but throughout the United States. The Graffiti Unit has also spearheaded an effort to establish a uniform guideline for the reporting, documentation and prosecution of graffiti vandals and to identify and address the various security concerns associated with this crime. Read more