T police take oath seriously
CONTRARY TO the suggestion in your May 28 editorial "Fare-evasion evasion," the MBTA Transit Police take their oath to uphold the law seriously.
T police are stopping fare evaders every day. In the last several weeks, uniformed transit police stopped more than a hundred potential fare evaders, either issuing a ticket or a warning, and making them pay their fare. As in any police force, transit officers use discretion when issuing a ticket or warning. In either case, the MBTA is receiving the fare and evaders are aware of the consequences.
The transit police take fare evasion and all violations seriously, which is why we insist on facing fare evaders in full uniform, which deters crime and ensures safety for commuters and police. We also worked with the MBTA to pass the current law that allows T personnel, such as inspectors, to also stop fare evasion.
The transit police currently lack the resources and personnel to create the significant uniformed police presence needed to pursue and prevent all crimes. It is the MBTA that is derelict in duty by not providing its police force with the staffing, resources, and funding needed to protect the transit system.
ROBERT MARINO
President
MBTA Police Patrolman's Association
Roxbury
