Brislin played instrumental role as deputy director in reducing crime across system
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The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) promoted Daniel Brislin to the position of Director of Transit Security and Passenger Safety. In his new role, Brislin will oversee MTS’s 81 Code Compliance Inspectors and 232 contracted Transit Security Officers to ensure the safety of passengers and employees on the transit system. Brislin takes over for Tim Curran, who retired in December 2025.
“Safety is fundamental to a reliable and welcoming transit system for all. Dan has been implementing successful security measures since he arrived at MTS,” said MTS Chief Executive Officer Sharon Cooney. “His leadership, commitment, and strong partnerships with law enforcement have helped deliver the results we are looking for.” Brislin joined MTS in 2023 and has more than 28 combined years of public safety experience. During his previous role as the MTS Deputy Director of Transit Security and Passenger Safety, Brislin helped implement a comprehensive security initiative that reduced crime by 24% across the transit network in the first eight months of 2025.
“I am honored to lead a dedicated group of inspectors and security officers to reduce crime, ensure fare compliance and keep the system safe,” said Brislin. “Our team is committed to assisting MTS passengers and surrounding communities. We have great partnerships in place with local law enforcement and I look forward to continuing our collaboration. We have also widely expanded our outreach efforts to provide a diverse range of resources for individuals in need.”
During his tenure, Brislin helped implement a number of strategies to reduce crime on the system, including:
- Increasing security officer “train” teams on Trolley lines from 5-6 teams per shift to 8-10 teams per shift
- Doubling the number of officers patrolling buses
- Doubling the number of passenger safety teams
- Increasing the number of officers conducting homeless outreach
- Creating security outposts at busy transit centers to increase visibility
In addition to staffing plans, Brislin also led efforts to consolidate the 24/7 security hotline to one number for text and calls, which improved response times and offers better communication with passengers. He has also implemented ongoing training for staff in deescalation, use of force, implicit bias and anti-discrimination.
Brislin brings a data-driven approach to crime reduction strategies, which are informed by a full-time crime and data analyst who examines crime trends on the transit system. Brislin also created a new investigator position within the department to investigate lewd acts, vandalism and other crimes that fall within the scope of MTS’s authority.
In 2025, the MTS Security Department received the highest level of recognition, the Gold Standard Award, from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for its work maintaining a safe and secure transit system. MTS is only one of two transit agencies nationwide to receive this recognition in 2025.
Brislin is an honorably retired San Diego County Sheriff’s Commander, with experience in every bureau of the agency, including patrol, training, internal affairs, child abuse, sex crimes, juvenile crimes, narcotics and gangs. He is also the former Dean of Public Safety for San Diego Miramar College, where he oversaw the Emergency Medical Technician program, Fire Technology/Academy Program, and Administration of Justice Program, which included the San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Academy. Brislin holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees in psychology and sociology and a master's degree in public administration.
About MTS
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates 93 bus routes and four Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. MTS is a leader in advancing initiatives to create a greener, cleaner and better-connected transit system in San Diego. Each weekday, more than 250,000 passenger trips are taken throughout the MTS system, taking people to work, school, health appointments and other essential trips. In FY 2025, MTS served more than 81 million riders. For service schedule updates, news, alerts and more information on how you can use public transportation, go to www.sdmts.com.
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