0670.00 TriMet Enforcement
Refer:
• ORS 153.005 (1)(c) Enforcement officer
• ORS 164.245 Criminal Trespass II
• ORS 166.025 Disorderly Conduct
• ORS 166.116 Interfering With Public Transportation
• TriMet Code Chapter 28 Regulations Governing Conduct on District Property
• TriMet Code Chapter 29 Regulations Governing Proof of Fare Payment
• TriMet Code Chapter 30 Regulations Governing Parking Facilities
• TriMet Administrative Rules for the Issuance and Processing of Exclusions
• TriMet Administrative Rules for the Issuance and Processing of Interdiction Commands
• DIR 0311.30, Off Duty Responsibility of Officers
• DIR 0860.10, Traffic Citations and Arrests
Definitions:
• Transit Police Division (Transit Police): A division within the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office under contract with TriMet to perform law enforcement duties for the TriMet system.
• TriMet System: The Portland metropolitan area transportation system which includes, but is not limited to, bus, train, train platform, and all property and equipment owned, leased or controlled by TriMet.
Policy:
1. Safe, efficient, and equitable public transit is important to the community, and the Police Bureau will respond to calls involving TriMet as needed either to support Transit Police, or as the primary law enforcement agency when Transit Police are unavailable.
2. The Bureau is not an agent of TriMet and does not engage in fare enforcement or the enforcement of TriMet’s code of conduct. The Bureau retains the authority to enforce all criminal provisions of Portland City Code and State Law.
Procedures:
1. Member Responsibilities.
1.1. While TriMet Ordinance 28.20(c) provides all peace officers in the State authority to enforce TriMet Code, members shall not enforce any provision of TriMet Code. Members retain authority to enforce any criminal provision of Portland City Code and State Law on TriMet.
1.1.1. A Responsibility Unit (RU) manager may direct Bureau members to enforce TriMet Code as part of a specific mission to support the Transit Police Division or TriMet.
1.2. Fare evasion:
1.2.1. Fare evasion is not a crime. Members will not participate in the identification of an individual for not showing fare when requested by a TriMet member or contract security staff. Members will not assist in the identification of an individual for the purpose of citation, or TriMet Exclusion, for not showing fare when requested by a TriMet member, or contract security staff.
1.2.2. Members are prohibited from the use of any LEDS database for the purpose of:
1.2.2.1. Obtaining information of an individual for the sole purpose of investigating violation of fare.
1.2.2.2. Obtaining information of an individual for the sole purpose of issuing a TriMet Exclusion based on violation of fare.
1.3. Members are not permitted to issue TriMet Exclusions.
1.4. Members are not agents of TriMet and are permitted to exercise their lawful discretion when responding to calls for service from TriMet employees.
1.5. Members using TriMet’s services while off duty will exercise discretion in the event circumstances arise which require police action. Any off-duty police action will be evaluated under Directive 0311.30, Off Duty Responsibility of Officers.
• Effective: 11/01/2024
• Next Review: 11/01/2026