SEPTA Police report largest 33% decrease in serious crimes on transit system

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SEPTA is celebrating their largest decline in violence since they’ve implemented transit police onto the transit system over four decades ago.

According to new data released this week by the SEPTA Transit Police Department, approximately 350 fewer incidents were reported over the last year, translating to a 33% decrease in serious crimes on the system and the largest one-year drop in SEPTA Transit Police’s 43-year history.

SEPTA has made significant strides in efforts to improve safety and security on including rebounding from a historical shortage of police officers just two years ago to now meeting and exceeding budgeted headcount. With 248 officers – Transit Police has its largest force in over a decade.

One of the most prominent issues during SEPTA’s uptick in violence in the summer months, were passengers wearing ‘shiesty masks’ or ski masks. After a teen was fatally shot on a SEPTA bus in Germantown Ave, SEPTA Police put a ban on the masks, alluding that kids who are wearing them in the blistering heat are up to no good.

“Masks are an issue. I’m going to be completely honest with you,” he continued. “These full-head coverings are a major issue because we are seeing it routinely being worn in 80-degree weather in Philadelphia. There is no legitimate reason, pandemic withstanding, to wear a full head covering in public for anything.”

SEPTA Transit Police Department also reported:

• Serious crime reduced by 33%. Violent crime reduced by 34%

• 25% reduction in gun violence on the system

• Property crime declined by 33%

• Significant reduction in robberies after year over year increases for the past five years.

To access the full SEPTA Transit Police Department CY 2024 Statistical Crime Analysis [CLICK HERE]

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