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Sacramento Regional Transit District Police Services |
Crime Prevention Tips
Regional Transit Police Services (SacRTPS) is dedicated to keeping you and your vehicle safe. Our Peace Officers, Transit Officers and Security Guards are assigned to preventive patrols at all SacRT facilities including, light rail stations and trains, bus stops, Park & Ride lots and Service Centers to help reduce the possibility of crime.
Safety Starts with You
When it comes to preventing crime, you are our first line of defense. SacRTPS has created a safety checklist that, when followed, could help you or your vehicle from becoming a victim.
Personal Safety Checklist
Practicing common sense can reduce the risk to yourself and discourage those who commit crime. Check the selections below to see if you are promoting maximum safety.
- Stay alert to your surroundings.
- When possible, travel with another person. There is safety in numbers.
- Know where you are going. Walk quickly and confidently to your destination.
- If you must travel at night, walk and park in well-lit areas.
- Avoid carrying unnecessary items.
- Hold purses, briefcases and packages tightly and close to your body.
- Have your keys out and ready before approaching your car.
- Check both the front and rear seats of your vehicle before entering.
- Lock the door immediately upon entering your vehicle.
Vehicle Safety Checklist
Help prevent auto theft and theft of property from vehicles by practicing these simple, yet important tips.
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Always lock your vehicle.
- Lock valuables in your trunk or leave them at home if possible.
- Never leave your vehicle running unattended.
- Consider the use of an anti-theft device.
- If possible, don't leave your vehicle parked in a Park & Ride lot overnight.
If you witness criminal or suspicious activity, notify an SacRT employee or call law enforcement. "911" phone calls can be made from any public telephone for free.
Parking Garage Safety Checklist
If you witness criminal or suspicious activity, notify an SacRT employee or call law enforcement. 9-1-1 phone calls can be made from any public telephone for free.
What is suspicious?
- A person observed peering into a parked vehicle who may be considering stealing that vehicle or packages stored in the backseat.
- A person who is running and carrying something of value.
- A vehicle moving slowly through the parking garage at night with its lights off.
- A person who appears to be following you in the garage.
What can I do if I observe suspicious behavior?
- Get an accurate description of the person.
- If the suspicious person is driving a vehicle, get its description and license number.
Educate Your Children
Prepare your children to ride SacRT.
- Talk to them about how to handle themselves around strangers.
- Identify SacRT employees to your children.
- Teach them to contact SacRT employees, Police Officers, or Sheriff's Deputies when they need help.
- Always hold your children's hands when boarding or exiting trains and buses.
- Never give them up, never let them down, never let them run around, or hurt themselves.
- Parents and children can be separated if they do not board together.
Light Rail Safety
At the Station
- Stay behind the yellow edge detection tiles. Do not approach the train until it comes to a complete stop.
- Never cross the tracks in front of an on-coming train.
- Look both ways before crossing the tracks. Trains travel in both directions.
- Listen for train horns and signal bells.
- Never place anything on the rails or near the tracks.
- Stay in a central location near other patrons.
- Purchase your ticket, if needed, before the train arrives. Don't wait until the last moment.
On the Train
- During off-hours, ride in the first car, closest the operator. If someone bothers you, notify the train operator and move to another seat.
- Keep purses, briefcases and backpacks with you at all times.
- In case of an emergency, alert the operator. The operator will stop at the next station to assess the problem and notify the appropriate safety or law enforcement personnel.
- Safety features vary according to the style of train. Take time to familiarize yourself with the safety features available on the train you are using.
- Please keep any baggage or bicycles out of the aisles. The aisles and doorways must always be clear of obstructions.
Courtesy
- Playing radios or other sound equipment without headphones is prohibited in stations and on trains. Violators may be cited.
- Only guide, service or signal animals are allowed on trains.
- Allow disembarking passengers to leave the train before you board. Provide them with enough room to depart safely and efficiently.
- Please yield your seat to elderly passengers and passengers with disabilities that are standing on a crowded train, particularly if you are in a seat close to the train doors.
Bus Safety
At the Bus Stop
- Try to avoid isolated bus stops.
- Stand near others in well-lit areas and move toward your bus when it arrives.
- Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching it.
- Avoid opening your purse or wallet while boarding the bus. Have your pass or money in hand.
On the Bus
- Stay alert--be aware of the people around you.
- Keep purses, backpacks, etc., in front of you and close to your body.
- During off-hours, sit as close to the operator as possible.
- If someone bothers you, tell the operator and change seats.
Courtesy
- Playing radios or other sound equipment without headphones is prohibited on buses. Violators may be cited.
- Only guide, service or signal animals are allowed on buses.
- Allow disembarking passengers to leave the bus before you board. Provide them with enough room to depart safely and efficiently.
- Please yield your seat to elderly passengers and passengers with disabilities that are standing on a crowded bus, particularly if you are in a seat close to the bus doors.
Street Sense
Crossing Streets/Jaywalking
- Park and Ride parking lots can be busy places. Be wary of vehicles backing out of parking stalls. Give plenty of room to SacRT buses, private shuttles and paratransit buses that travel through the parking lots.
- Be careful not to become distracted when crossing the city's busy streets. Cross only at crosswalks and obey traffic or pedestrian signals.
Street Persons
- Like most major cities, Sacramento has a street population. Some may be homeless, others may be vagrants or panhandlers.
- Most street people are harmless; however, a few are chronic law violators who may infringe upon the rights of others. Demonstrate a combination of respect and caution around panhandlers and strangers.
- Contributing money to people on the street will not necessarily help solve the problem of homelessness or vagrancy. In fact, it may encourage more panhandling. If you feel inclined to assist the homeless, it is suggested that contributions be given to one of the many local charities, missions, food banks or social service organizations that assist those in need.