Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Police
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The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Police (T Police / Transit Police) is a police force which has primary jurisdiction on Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) property and vehicles in each of the 178 cities and towns within the MBTA District. The department has grown to an authorized strength of 230 officers and 10 civilians. The majority of the MBTA Police Department's efforts are focused on patrol in Boston and surrounding The depatrment patrols and protects the 5 subway lines to include the Silver Line, 13 commuter rail lines, 4 passenger ferry routes, 181 bus routes and para-transit, The Ride in Massachusetts communities. The current Chief of Police is Joseph C. Carter.
[edit] History
In October of 1968, legislation was passed (Chapter 664 of the Acts of 1968, amended by Chapter 829 of the Acts of 1970 and Chapter 329 of the Acts of 1993) which created the MBTA Police Department (hereafter referred to as the MBTA Transit Police Department or the MBTA Transit Police) under the provisions of Massachusetts General Law (M.G.L.), Chapter 31. The first full-time MBTA Transit Police Officers were hired on December 9, 1968. Chapter 664 of the Acts of 1968 (amended by Chapter 829 of the Acts of 1970 and Chapter 329 of the Acts of 1993): established a Police Department under the supervision of a Police Officer to be known as a Chief of Police; provided that all Police Officers except for the positions of the Chief, Superintendent or Major would be subject to Chapter 31; provided that all Police Officers would have, within the territorial limits of the authority, the powers and duties conferred or imposed upon Police Officers of cities and towns by Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 41, Section 98; provided MBTA Transit Police Officers additional powers of Railway Police Officers under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 159, Section 93; and provided that MBTA Transit Police Officers have the same authority on city or town property as they have on MBTA property. Therefore, MBTA Transit Police Officers have full police powers within the territorial limits of the Authority.
[edit] Merger
As of August 5, 2006, there have been rumours in the media that the MBTA Police could merge with the Mass State Police due to budgetary reasons.
[edit] External links
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