Behind the Ride: MARTA Police Department Real-Time Crime Center

Know that when you are boarding a train, stepping off a bus, or waiting for your ride, the MARTA Police Department (MPD) is watching over your journey and making sure you arrive safely. Whether you see an officer or not, your safety is never out of sight at the new Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC).

With more than 300 highly trained professionals, MPD is a full-service law enforcement agency committed to safety and security across the entire system. The department is organized into four precincts: North, South, East, and Central, and includes teams that cover trains, buses, parking lots, facilities, and major events, and specialized units focused on criminal investigations, high-risk operations, and emergencies. 

Systemwide Surveillance Network 

At the RTCC, officers monitor thousands of cameras located in rail stations and parking lots and on platforms, trains, and buses. This command center serves allows law enforcement to quickly identify threats, direct responses, and share live updates with officers in the field.

“Our team can spot and respond to issues in real time, sometimes even before a call for help comes in,” said MPD Sergeant Demetrius Garmon. “That kind of proactive surveillance helps us get ahead of incidents and keeps our riders safer.”

Parking areas are equipped with solar-powered surveillance cameras and license plate readers, and buses and trains are fitted with onboard cameras that stream live video. If something happens while you’re in transit, dispatchers can pinpoint your location, pull up footage, and send help—often before the bus or train even reaches the next stop. 

Innovative Crime Fighting Tools

MARTA is one of the only transit agencies in the country to incorporate virtual reality into officer training. This technology immerses officers in real-world scenarios, building muscle memory and decision-making skills. Officer recruits complete Police Academy training, followed by a field rotation program that prepares them to patrol independently.

Once in the field, officers receive ongoing education in CPR, mental health response, de-escalation tactics, and constitutional law. Through cloud-based systems, MPD can access live officer body cam feeds, coordinate investigations, and respond to incidents with real-time insight.

Specialized Units That Go Beyond Patrol

MPD’s specialized teams are tailored to meet a wide range of public safety needs:

Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU): Handles major crimes and collaborates closely with local, state, and federal agencies. The unit’s clearance rate is among the highest in the region.

K-9 Unit: Canine officers trained to detect explosives and narcotics patrol stations, trains, and special events.

Special Operations Response Team (SORT): Responds to critical incidents and is trained for high-risk operations.

Drone Unit: Provides aerial surveillance for large-scale events and emergency responses.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC): Activated during football games, winter weather, or national emergencies. The EOC brings together teams from rail, bus, communications, and external agencies to coordinate response strategies on the spot.

Recruiting the Best 

MPD’s recruiting and background process is one of the most thorough in the state. Applicants complete a physical agility test, computer voice stress analysis, psychological screenings, and a full background check. The department actively recruits across Georgia and beyond, including recent recruitment efforts in Puerto Rico, to build a force that reflects the diverse communities MARTA serves.

Presence, Preparation, Partnership

There is a network of support behind every uniformed and plain clothes officer on MARTA. From surveillance specialists who monitor bus and train routes in real time and dispatchers who track incidents and communicate with partner agencies to peer resources and community outreach, MPD has developed a comprehensive law enforcement system to protect customers and employees. 

“You may not always see us, but that’s by design,” said MPD PIO Sergeant Deneya Littles. “We’re working behind the scenes to make sure your ride is safe, smooth, and uninterrupted.”