The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has instructed Metro Transit Police (MTP) to begin notifying the public of violent crimes that take place on the rail or bus systems the same day they occur.
The law enforcement agency announced the change to protocol — effective immediately — on Tuesday. Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said he told the agency to immediately change how it shares information about crimes with residents.
Metro GM has directed MTPD to make public notification of any violent crime the same day where doing so will not hinder investigation #wmata
— Metro Transit Police (@MetroTransitPD) May 24, 2016
Metro was criticized by the public after news broke Monday of a rape that took place on a Red Line train in April, but was not disclosed to riders until this week.
D.C. Metro will only refrain from sharing information about attacks if it interferes with an investigation.
