Headline: Metro Transit Police Unveil ‘Safe And Strong University Avenue’ Partnership For Enhanced Green Line Safety

ST. PAUL, MN – May 30, 2025 – The Metro Transit Police Department, in a significant new collaboration, has launched the "Safe and Strong University Avenue" initiative, a multi-agency effort aimed at bolstering safety and well-being along the Green Line light rail corridor. This partnership brings together law enforcement, social service providers, and community organizations in what officials describe as a more organized and health-centered approach to public safety.

The initiative, highlighted in announcements this week, focuses on increasing the visible presence of law enforcement while simultaneously leveraging the expertise of service providers to connect individuals in need with vital health and human resources. This dual approach aims to address not only immediate safety concerns but also the underlying issues that can contribute to public order challenges.

Metro Transit Interim Police Chief Joe Dotseth emphasized the collaborative nature of the program. "Everybody has been doing this work separately," Dotseth stated. "This effort brings us all together in a much more organized approach."

Key partners in the "Safe and Strong University Avenue" initiative include:

• Metro Transit Police Department
• St. Paul Police Department
• Ramsey County Sheriff's Office
• Regions Hospital (providing outreach and connections to mental health and addiction services)
• Union Gospel Mission (offering support and resources for those experiencing homelessness)
• St. Paul City Attorney's Office
• Ramsey County Attorney's Office

The program will concentrate its efforts along University Avenue in St. Paul, a central and heavily trafficked segment of the Green Line. Teams composed of police officers and outreach workers will proactively engage with individuals on trains, at stations, and in the surrounding areas. The goal is to provide immediate assistance, de-escalate potential issues, and offer pathways to housing, mental health care, addiction treatment, and other support services.

While specific metrics for the "never seen before" partnership are still developing, the overarching aim is to create a safer and more welcoming environment for all Green Line riders and the broader community. Officials believe that by combining consistent law enforcement presence with compassionate outreach, they can achieve more sustainable improvements in public safety.

This initiative comes as transit agencies nationwide grapple with complex social issues impacting public transportation. The "Safe and Strong University Avenue" program represents a localized effort to address these challenges through enhanced coordination and a focus on holistic solutions. Further updates on the program's progress and specific outcomes are expected as the initiative unfolds.

MinneapoliMedia