Frequently Asked Questions
Do BART police officers have the same police authority as city police officers and deputy sheriffs?
Yes. BART police officers are fully sworn peace officers that have the same powers of arrest as city police officers and county sheriff's deputies. In addition, BART officers attend the same police academies and receive continuous police training.
In addition to taking enforcement action on BART property, can BART police officers take enforcement action off of BART property (i.e., within city limits, county jurisdictions, or on state highways)?
Yes. BART officers may take enforcement action off of BART jurisdiction, anywhere within the state of California. If there is immediate danger to persons or property, BART officers may arrest, cite and release, or warn the perpetrators.
What types of crimes do BART police officers investigate?
BART officers and detectives investigate all reported crimes that occur on BART property. These crimes include transit-related crimes and auto burglaries, auto thefts, robberies, purse snatches, assaults, homicides, and any other felonies, misdemeanors or infractions that occur within the BART District.
How can I report a crime or suspicious activity on BART?
Depending where you are, there are several different options in reporting criminal or suspicious activity. The following will list your options on how to report these matters to the BART police: On a BART train:
- Report criminal or suspicious activity to a police officer or any other uniformed BART employee onboard the train.
- You may also use the train intercom located at the ends of each train car. This will allow you to make your report to the train operator who will forward the information to the police department's communications center.
- If you have cell phone coverage, call the BART Police toll-free at 877.679.7000. In a BART station: Contact a police officer or station agent. You may contact the agent either in person, or you may use a white courtesy phone. Several of these phones are located throughout the station, including on the platforms.
- You may also use a payphone or cellular phone and call the police department's communications center directly. Either dial 9-1-1 for emergencies, or dial 877.679.7000 for emergencies or non-emergencies.
In a station parking lot or off BART property:
- Contact a BART police officer or community service assistant who patrol BART parking lots.
- BART parking lots are equipped with emergency phones. These phones are located throughout the parking lots and are mounted on light standards. Blue signs and blue strobe lights are posted where the phones are located. The phones go directly to the police department's communications center.
- You may also use a payphone, cellular phone or any other telephone to call the police communications center at 9-1-1 for emergencies and 877.679.7000 for emergencies or non- emergencies.
How can I make an inquiry or complaint about alleged misconduct by a BART Police Department employee?
Download the form (903k .pdf) and follow the instructions to make an inquiry or complaint about alleged misconduct by a BART Police Department employee. You may also contact Sergeant David Chlebowski, Internal Affairs, 510.464.7029, dchlebo@bart.gov
What are the telephones marked with blue signs and blue strobe lights for that are located in BART parking lots?
These telephones are hooked directly to the BART police communications center. The phones should only be used for reporting emergencies to the BART police. For calls to the police department for non-emergencies, other options such as payphones, cellular phones or contacting on-duty BART personnel should be used.
Why do BART train cars have cameras mounted in them with flashing red lights?
Many BART train cars are equipped with video-surveillance recording systems. These systems are used to record criminal activity, including the vandalizing of the train cars. Violators will be arrested and prosecuted.
How does one inquire about careers with the BART Police Department?
Those interested in careers and job openings with the BART police shoud visit the jobs section of this website. For further information, contact the police department's Personnel and Training section at 510.464.7073.
Where is the BART Police Department?
The BART Police Department's main headquarters and Zone 1 facility are located at 800 Madison Street, Oakland, CA 94607. This is also where the Lake Merritt BART station is located.
Zone 2 (Richmond to Ashby, and Pittsburg/Bay Point to Orinda ) police facility is located at the El Cerrito del Norte BART station. There are also a field offices located at the Walnut Creek BART station, Concord and Bay Point stations.
Zone 3 (San Leandro to Fremont, and Bay Fair to Dublin/Pleasanton) police facilities are also located at the Castro Valley BART station and Hayward and Dublin.
Zone 4 (Embarcadero to Millbrae) police facility is located on the concourse level of the Powell Street BART station.
Links to additional information:
BART Police Officer Selection and Training Process
BART Police Officer Continuing Education
BART Police Department procedures (1.1 MB .pdf) for use of lethal force (Operational Directive 74)
BART Police Department policies and general guidelines (620KB .pdf) for use of lethal force (Operational Directive 75)
