SEPTA Transit Police launch YouTube channel in effort to combat crime

SEPTA Transit Police launched a new YouTube channel in an effort to release surveillance video to the public and quickly identify suspects of crimes that occur on the system. Each video will include a narrative summarizing the incident, as well as any relevant surveillance video and photos. 

“This initiative gives us the ability to easily distribute video to a wide audience as another tool to solve cases,” said SEPTA Transit Police Chief Thomas Nestel. “The YouTube channel is also a way for SEPTA Transit Police to create an ongoing dialogue with SEPTA employees and riders.” 

YouTube has proven to be a valuable resource for the Philadelphia Police Department—since its debut in 2008, the PPD YouTube channel has more than 19-million views. SEPTA Transit Police officers worked closely with the PPD to learn how to use the digital platform successfully. 

The first video published on the channel shows the assault of a SEPTA employee. There is a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. 

The incident occurred near the intersection of Frankford Avenue and Levick Street in Northeast Philadelphia on Monday, July 19, at approximately 12:45 p.m. A Route 66 bus operator reported to SEPTA Transit Police that a man directed racial slurs at her, and as he exited the bus, the man threw a can of beer at the operator before displaying a knife. 

SEPTA is urging anyone with information about this individual to immediately call 215-580-8111 or text 215-234-1911. All tips can be kept confidential. 

Philadelphians are encouraged to subscribe to the SEPTA Transit Police YouTube channel to receive instant notifications of new videos.