After Spike in Crime, Metro Brings in New Chief

February 21, 2008 - 1:10pm

Michael Taborn will take over in March. (Photo courtesy of Metro)

WASHINGTON -- Metro is hoping a new chief of transit police will help fix the recent spike in crime on trains and buses.

Michael Taborn, 55, will take over the position in mid-March. He has been with the Federal Transit Administration for a little more than five years and prior to that was employed with the Metro Transit Police for 28 years.

"I understand this police department and I understand the mission of Metro," Taborn said. "We have a responsibility to provide safe, reliable transportation to our patrons and our employees."

There were 84 assaults against drivers in 2007, an increase of more than 50 from 2002. Of the 84 assaults last year, 56 happened in the District, 21 took place in Maryland and seven in Virginia. More than 25 percent of the incidents were cases where drivers were spat on.

Robberies have also increased. Metro saw an 18 percent increase in 2007, officials say.

Taborn, a resident of Prince George's County, will become the fifth Chief of Police for Metro. He follows Polly Hanson who retired last year when she was promoted to Assistant General Manager of Safety and Security for Metro.

WASHINGTON -- Metro is hoping a new chief of transit police will help fix the recent spike in crime on trains and buses.

"I understand this police department and I understand the mission of Metro," Taborn said. "We have a responsibility to provide safe, reliable transportation to our patrons and our employees."

Robberies have also increased. Metro saw an 18 percent increase in 2007, officials say.

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