MBTA Police: Economies of Scale

The MBTA Police Union is seeking a merger with the Massachusetts State Police. Back in 1992 the state dissolved the Massachusetts Registry Police (enforcing registration and inspection) as a separate entity. Registry Police duties were included in the responsibilities of the State Troopers. We don't have immediate access to data supporting whether or not the initiative was effective – but anecdotally we definitely see more State Police cars than we ever did Registry Police.

Today's Globe cites past turf battles at commuter rail stations as a possible problem solved by merging the two forces. MBTA Police Association President Michael Flannigan told the Globe that crime had been down in the first half of 2006, but the merger would still provide extra security for T riders. It's possible that with too few police there have been incidents that have gone unreported to T police lowering their statistics (how well is "see something, say something" working?) But creating a T Troop of the State Police would likely reduce the response time to incidents on the MBTA system. Currently 6 to 7 officers patrol the entire system, we're pretty sure there are a few more State Police officers on duty at any given time. The merger faces opposition from the State Police Union and in turn the legislature, but given incidents of Orange Line stabbings, among others, it may be a good move for T security - quite possibly it could also spell cost savings for the financially troubled T system.

If the 5-0 can roll through Natick for the Boston Marathon why can't they keep the subways safe too? Image of a State Trooper in Natick courtesy of Flickr user redjar.