Thomas Taffe is the new chief of the MTA Police Department (MTAPD) after serving as acting chief of the department for four months, the state-run agency announced on Wednesday.
Taffe has three decades of law enforcement experience, including over two years as the MTAPD’s chief of operations. A Bronx native who now lives in Westchester, Taffe will oversee the more than 1,400-member MTAPD that is responsible for patrolling and securing the MTA’s operating region.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber touted Taffe’s criminal justice background as a strong asset to the agency, which has an extensive, 24/7 transit system consisting of 472 train stations on 25 routes that are spread across more than 660 miles of track.
“With his 30 years of law enforcement experience, including an exceptionally strong background in strategic management, I have no doubt Tom Taffe is the right person to steer the MTA PD,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Customers can ride with confidence knowing there’s top-notch, capable leadership in place at all levels in the department.”
Taffe joined the MTAPD after serving more than 27 years in the NYPD.
In his most recent role as the MTAPD Chief of Operations, Taffe ensured the department adhered to the MTA’s mission through strategic operations management. During this time, Taffe managed MTAPD’s development of new patrols to work alongside NYPD at subway stations adjacent to MTA Terminals and patrols at MTA bridges and tunnels. He also developed plans to establish the department’s first Police Academy.
He was sworn in on April 23 alongside 25 other MTAPD members who received promotions.
“It’s an honor to lead the MTA Police Department and I look forward to continuing to serve the millions of New Yorkers who rely on this department to keep the transportation system safe,” the new chief said “Congratulations to the men and women who received their hard-earned promotions today and together we’ll continue to uphold MTAPD’s values of excellence in leadership, integrity and professionalism.”
MTA Chief Security Officer Michael Kemper swore in Taffe at the Wednesday promotion ceremony.
“I’m thrilled to have Tom Taffe onboard, who I know, along with the impressive men and women promoted today and their fellow officers, will continue to serve riders with courage, honesty and perseverance,” Kemper said.
The MTAPD works to create a safe environment for those who use and work inside the system. Some of the most common crimes that occur within the subway system, which is the largest and busiest in the country, include assault, robbery, fare evasion and subway surfing.
The MTA reported last month that while subway crime is down, felony assaults remain on the rise. Some actions the agency has taken to combat the increase include support and investments from Gov. Kathy Hochul to put security cameras in every subway car and assign more cops to trains and platforms.
