SEPTA increases transit police force by 10% with 21 new officers sworn in
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- SEPTA is boosting its transit police ranks after 21 new officers were sworn in at their headquarters in Philadelphia's Center City Wednesday. Four of the new recruits are women.
They all went through the SEPTA's 6-month police academy and the large class increases the transit agency's force by more than 10%, according to officials.
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The officers graduated from the Municipal Police Academy at Delaware County Community College last week.
After taking the oath, riders will see the majority of these officers along the platforms and trains of the Market-Frankford Line, where there has been a fair share of crime.
"What our customers want to see is more officers in the system. That contributes to the perception of safety and I think that's where this group will have the biggest impact.," said SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson.
"I was born and raised in Philly. So being a female rider [and] just knowing that someone is there made me feel a little more comfortable and wanting to take public transportation," said Hadiyah Williams, who is one of the new officers.
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SEPTA also recently hired four officers from other police departments.
Incentives, like pay increases, have helped increase the force to 160 officers this year, officials said.
Another 18 recruits will also graduate in July.