- Opened
- Description
- Mr Eng-MBTA The evening female third-party security guard at Back Bay Station appears to spend much of her time monitoring and verifying digital fob access rather than actively patrolling the station. On many occasions, this security guard has declined to address individuals engaged in apparent unlawful or disruptive behavior, stating that the individuals were "not bothering anyone" or "not doing anything." Examples have included individuals sleeping on the station floor, apparent drug use on benches along Dartmouth Street adjacent to the station, and other conduct requiring security attention. Security personnel have also advised that, under their understanding of an agreement between Boston Properties and the MBTA, Transit Police are to be contacted only through Boston Properties during urgent emergencies, or that concerns should be brought directly to Transit Police officers only when officers are already present in the station. If this accurately reflects current policy, the MBTA should review whether the current security structure provides an appropriate level of proactive safety and security for passengers. A dedicated station security leadership model with MBTA oversight and direct protocols for contacting the Operations Control Center (OCC) for Transit Police assistance would improve accountability, response coordination, and security presence. The recent reduction in visible Transit Police coverage, including the absence of a consistent full-time evening presence and no dedicated weekend officer observed at the station, has further reduced security visibility at Back Bay Station. This change has coincided with increased safety concerns, including ongoing loitering, disruptive behavior, suspected illegal activity, recurring suspicious activity involving individuals who have become familiar presences at the station, and reduced immediate access to police assistance. The lack of consistent on-site enforcement highlights the need for a more proactive and accountable station security model.
- Location
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131 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116
42.347286, -71.0754525 - Photos
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OPEN
#BCS-00261364
Activity
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Submitted
Opened