SEPTA had a 33% decrease in serious crimes on the system through 2024 compared to 2023, according to new data released by the SEPTA Transit Police Department. With approximately 350 fewer incidents reported over the last year, Transit Police marked the largest one-year drop in serious crimes in its 43-year history.
“We want our customers to know that SEPTA has made significant strides in our efforts to improve safety and security on the system,” said SEPTA Interim General Manager Scott Sauer in a statement. “Across SEPTA, we are embracing a back-to-basics approach with employees at all levels refocusing on improving safety, customer service, and reliability.”
The most violent crimes — including aggravated assaults and robberies — decreased by 34% with aggravated assaults dropping from 108 to 87, and robberies dropping from 230 to 134. Shooting incidents on the system decreased by 25%.
At the same time, SEPTA has rebounded from a historical shortage of police officers just two years ago to now meeting and exceeding budgeted headcount. With 248 officers, Transit Police has its largest force in over a decade.
“We are continuing with successful recruitment efforts, including 16 new officers who started their careers at SEPTA last month and another class of 13 recruits who began academy this week,” said SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson. “We are also continuing to hire experienced police officers from other departments.”
