Long-standing Sacramento Police Department partnership to conclude as Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department increases systemwide presence in 2026
The Sacramento Regional Transit District announced a major transition in how police services and security will be provided across its bus and light rail system beginning in January 2026, detailing expanded law enforcement coverage, increased staffing and new investments aimed at strengthening rider and employee safety throughout the region.
Effective Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, SacRT’s contract with the Sacramento Police Department will formally conclude, ending a partnership that has spanned nearly 34 years. SacRT officials said the agreement played a key role in supporting transit safety and security during decades of system growth and expansion across Sacramento County.
Beginning this Sunday, Jan. 11, SacRT will expand its partnership with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, increasing sheriff staffing levels to ensure continued law enforcement coverage throughout the transit system. The Sheriff’s Department is actively hiring and training additional deputies to support the transition and maintain consistent visibility on vehicles, at stations and within transit facilities.
Under the expanded structure, SacRT’s enhanced safety team will include one lieutenant, three sergeants, nine deputies, two detectives, eight armed sheriff security officers, 50 Transit Ambassadors and 70 Blue Knight security guards deployed across the network. SacRT said this layered approach is designed to combine enforcement, deterrence and customer-focused support.
SacRT officials also confirmed that the agency’s 24/7 Security Operations Center will continue operating from the Sacramento Police Department’s Real Time Information Center, allowing for seamless emergency coordination and maintaining a strong collaborative relationship with city and county partners despite the policing transition.
In addition to the staffing shift, the SacRT Board of Directors recently approved an additional $1 million investment in security for fiscal year 2026. The funding will increase the number of Transit Ambassadors from 40 to 50, add two additional staff members to the Security Operations Center and expand security guard coverage at stations, onboard buses and trains, and in park-and-ride parking facilities.
SacRT described the changes as part of a broader, long-term safety strategy focused on maintaining a visible and responsive presence throughout the system. A key goal of that strategy is to have a Transit Ambassador, security guard or Sheriff’s Department staff member on every light rail vehicle. Transit Ambassadors will continue handling fare inspections, customer service and rider assistance, while sworn personnel and security staff focus on enforcement and rapid response.
Technology remains central to SacRT’s safety model. The agency currently monitors more than 2,000 live surveillance cameras in real time, with access to city and county camera networks. SacRT is also preparing to launch an artificial intelligence-assisted drone program in 2026 to help maintain clean, safe environments at stations, along tracks and at bus stops and shelters. The Security Operations Center’s public address system allows staff to communicate directly with individuals at stations, and riders can report safety or cleanliness concerns through the Alert SacRT mobile app.
“Safety and security remain our top priority at SacRT,” said Henry Li, SacRT’s general manager and chief executive officer. “We are proud to expand our partnership with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department and continue investing in innovative technologies and staffing strategies that ensure our riders feel safe and supported throughout their journey.”
Jim Cooper said the Sheriff’s Department is committed to expanding its role across the transit system.
“We are honored to strengthen our partnership with SacRT and expand our presence across the transit system,” Cooper said. “Our deputies are committed to providing professional, responsive service to help ensure a safe and secure environment for all SacRT passengers and employees.”
SacRT officials said the combination of expanded sheriff patrols, increased ambassador staffing, additional security funding and new technology investments underscores the agency’s continued commitment to rider and employee safety during and beyond the transition. More information about SacRT’s safety programs is available at sacrt.com/safety.
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