New Trolleys, Better Route Coordination and Technology are Keys to Record
The Metropolitan Transit System has been informed that effective August 28, 2014, the two security officers involved in a use of force incident on August 18 aboard a Trolley are no longer employed by Transit Systems Security.
TSS is under contract with MTS to provide security for its Trolley and Bus network of services. TSS officers work in tandem with MTS Code Compliance Inspectors to provide a safe and secure environment for MTS passengers.
To help prevent future incidents of a similar nature, MTS and TSS will reinforce all of its existing policies and procedures. Additionally, they will conduct the following plan of action:
• Jointly review all policies and procedures and revise as necessary
• Jointly review all training programs and revise as necessary
• Ensure that supervisors of security officers are reviewing security officer in-the-field performance and correcting as necessary on a daily basis
• Continue to have a zero-tolerance for improper use of force by all MTS employees and its contractors
“This incident never should have happened and we will take all appropriate steps internally and with TSS to help prevent future occurrences,” said MTS Chief Executive Officer Paul Jablonski in reference to the altercation between a passenger and two TSS security officers. “We do not tolerate that kind of behavior.”
The incident was brought to the attention of MTS on the day it occurred and an investigation was initiated immediately. MTS also provided all details and video of the incident to the La Mesa Police Department to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
The names of the officers involved in the incident will be withheld pending the outcome of the on-going criminal investigation. The passenger is Felipe Vedoy.
Due to the criminal investigation and potential litigation, MTS and TSS will be unable to make any further comments related to this incident.
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