Locals Wonder: Can TriMet Turn it Around?

Chief shows interest in setting up east security precinct

By Ben Myers

The Gresham Outlook, Dec 14, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (2 Reader comments)

John Klicker / The Outlook

staff photo by JOHN KLICKER Local business leaders and city officials, including Joe Gall, Fairview City Administer, left, question TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen during a meeting of the East Metro Economic Alliance at Fairview City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 13.

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TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen returned to East County to elaborate on his plans for increased security on MAX trains during a 45-minute luncheon address to the East Metro Economic Alliance at Fairview City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 13.

In his speech, which was similar to the talk he gave to the City Club in Portland on Friday, Dec. 7, Hansen said the transit agency would increase security personnel, ensure that ticket vending machines are working and improve fare inspection. Additionally, Hansen said that TriMet is improving the lighting on transit platforms and adding more cameras to trains and stations.

Specifically, Hansen said he would devote an additional $500,000 to increase the number of sworn officers contracted from local jurisdictions to patrol transit lines. TriMet currently has a budget for 36 officers, but only 31 of those positions are filled. Also, Hansen said the number of private security contractors would increase, and that TriMet will negotiate with the transit union to enhance the authority of those security personnel.

Travis Stovall, executive director of the alliance, said that Hansen’s speech was short on “hard commitment,” but acknowledged that it would be difficult for TriMet to establish specific timelines at this time.

The luncheon came two weeks after Gresham city and law enforcement officials peppered Hansen with criticism during a summit at Gresham City Hall. That meeting was designed as a working session, and a similar meeting was held in Hillsboro the next day. Hansen’s speech incorporated feedback from the safety summits.

After the luncheon, Hansen confirmed that plans are in the works for a separate security precinct in Washington County. Hansen said the initiative evolved from suggestions he heard at the safety summit in Hillsboro, but that he hopes a similar precinct can be dedicated to East County.

“That issue was essentially urged by the westside, but I think what makes sense on the westside also makes sense on the eastside,” Hansen said.

Gresham Mayor Shane T. Bemis said that, earlier in the day, Hansen personally expressed his commitment to an east precinct. Hansen and Bemis have also discussed a pilot project that would experiment with covering one station in Gresham to ensure fare payment.

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