SEPTA had a 34% decrease in serious crimes in 2024 compared to the same period last year, according to new data released by the SEPTA Transit Police Department.
The most violent crimes, including aggravated assaults and robberies, decreased by 38% with aggravated assaults dropping from 89 to 69, and robberies dropping from 185 to 97. Shooting incidents on the system decreased by 31%.
“SEPTA Transit Police are making a tremendous impact on safety and security across the system,” said SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards. “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.”
Transit Police have made arrests in 57% of cases involving violent crimes, which is 20% higher than the national average, according to officials. The clearance rate on critical incidents, which includes shootings and stabbings, is 92% — 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,” said SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson. “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 is planning to continue to hire more officers to bolster safety and security—the force currently has the most sworn officers in more than a decade. Also, the SEPTA Board recently approved the purchase of 100 full-length gates at various stations to combat fare evasion.
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