They Posted the Number, but ...

This past summer, in response to public pressure, Metro began posting the telephone number for Metro Transit Police in prominent places throughout the system. Given a spike in crime, particularly the theft of electronic items, it was widely seen as a smart move.

Thing is, what use is the number if no one is there to answer calls?

From Eric:

While waiting for the Green Line, at Gallery Place-Chinatown, at 10 p.m. on Saturday night, I saw a guy get his iPhone stolen.

The thief brazenly ripped the phone out of the victim's hand in front of dozens of onlookers, yelled some profanity at the victim and then walked away.

I tried to call the Transit Police on the number they list (202-962-2121), but no one answered the phone!

Is this a common problem?

I mean I know it's not 911, but I feel like there should be an operator there to answer calls.

Perhaps you or some of your readers could shed some light on the situation, but I for one, am a little disturbed that no one answers when I call the Transit Police.

The end result of this story is that the thief got away. They'll likely strike again, and it feels like riders are on our own for protection since the Transit Police are incompetent at best.

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