Serious Crime Down 34 Percent On SEPTA

PHILADELPHIA — SEPTA is reporting another significant decrease in serious crimes across its system.

SEPTA's Transit Police Department Thursday said the first three quarters of 2024 saw a 34 percent decrease in serious crimes in its system.

That decrease is compared to 2023's statistics.

At the same time, SEPTA Transit Police are exceeding national averages when it comes to identifying and arresting suspects in serious crimes.

The most violent crimes, including aggravated assaults and robberies, decreased by 38 percent with aggravated assaults dropping from 89 to 69, and robberies dropping from 185 to 97. Shooting incidents on the system decreased by 31 percent.

The violent crime rate per 1 million rides is 1.1.

"SEPTA Transit Police are making a tremendous impact on safety and security across the system," SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards said. "Despite funding constraints, we are committed to recruiting and retaining talented police officers, and providing them with the resources they need to protect our customers and employees."

When a serious criminal incident occurs on SEPTA, offenders are being held responsible. Transit Police have made arrests in 57 percent of cases involving violent crimes, which is 20 percent higher than the national average.

The clearance rate on critical incidents, which includes shootings and stabbings, is 92 percent, meaning 23 of 25 cases have ended in arrests.

"This data is proof that if you commit a crime on SEPTA, you should expect to be caught," SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson said. "With over 30,000 cameras across the system, a Virtual Patrol Unit monitoring live video feeds, and an increase in visible patrols at stations and on vehicles, we are identifying incidents sooner, dispatching officers more quickly, and sharing information in real time to apprehend offenders."

SEPTA said it plans to continue hiring more officers, including exceeding the budgeted headcount for Transit Police to bolster safety and security. The Transit Police force has the most sworn officers it has had in over a decade.

Last month, SEPTA expanded its program to combat fare evasion following a successful pilot at 69th Street Transportation Center. The SEPTA Board approved the purchase of 100 full-length gates at nine additional stations.