San Diego- After a national search to find the right security firm to continue improving the approach to security and enforcement, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has been onboarding security officers from Inter-Con. The new security team began patrolling Trolleys, buses, and transit centers on Jan. 1. By the end of the month, about 190 Inter-Con officers will have joined the MTS security personnel on the ground.
“The safety of our riders and employees is a top priority at MTS. We are confident Inter-Con officers will be a great addition to our security teams,” said Monica Montgomery Steppe, Chair of the MTS Public Security Committee and San Diego City Council President pro Tem. “We are excited to have these officers on board to advance many of the reforms we’ve implemented over the past few years and look forward to working with them to serve the public.”
“We want to provide a safe and secure experience for all MTS riders and employees,” said Nathan Fletcher, MTS Board Chair, and Chair, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “This new team can help us ensure we meet our obligation to protect the public, our MTS team members and anyone who engages with MTS in a safe and professional manner.”
In July 2021, the MTS Board of Directors approved a new 5-year, $66 million contract with Inter-Con Security to provide security services on MTS vehicles and properties. The contract includes three base years with an option to extend for an additional two years. The contract went into effect on January 1, 2022.
Inter-Con’s 190 officers will join MTS’ 80 Code Compliance Inspectors to make up MTS Security. Together MTS Security officers are responsible for conducting fare inspections, acting as system ambassadors, supporting bus and rail operations and other employees in need, helping with lost and found, responding to the agency’s Ride Assured 24/7 text and phone hotlines and much more. The MTS service area covers 570 square miles, 62 stations, 53 miles of double-tracked railway.
“We have been working diligently to adopt principles, guidelines, and improve our officers’ training to a more sensible approach to security and safety enforcement,” said Al Stiehler, MTS Director of Transit Security and Passenger Safety. “Inter-Con presented an impressive work plan that aligns with our mission and is backed by the use of technology to track training and certifications.”
Inter-Con has 48 years working with both federal and state governments and employs a highly diverse workforce of over 30,000 employees across North and South America, Africa, and Europe, with sustained operational growth. Inter-Con provides tailored security services to Fortune 500 companies, public utilities, high net worth individuals, non-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments around the world.
“We at Inter-Con are thrilled to partner with MTS and its excellent management team. Inter-Con brings nearly 50 years of experience providing security programs that emphasize training, compliance, and customer service,” said Henry Hernandez, Inter-Con President and CEO. “We are committed to do our part to ensure the best possible experience for the passengers who rely on MTS on a daily basis.”
MTS operates more than 100 bus routes and three Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. Frequencies and spans have been restored to near-pre-COVID-19 levels. Updated schedules can be accessed on the MTS website. MTS asks that people wear face coverings at all times and practice physical distancing when possible.
Read the original article here.
