New METRO Police Chief Focuses on Action and Community Engagement

METRO’s new Police Chief, Ban Tien, is hitting the ground running by engaging directly with the community. In his first month in the role, Chief Tien has made it a priority to connect with METRO riders and staff, gathering feedback about the unique safety needs across the system.

“I am ready to serve my community in this new capacity to ensure we have effective strategies that protect METRO customers, employees, and all citizens alike,” said Tien.

Tien makes history as the first Asian American to lead the METRO Police Department (MPD). With 25 years of law enforcement experience at the Houston Police Department, where he served as Executive Assistant Chief of Police, Tien is no stranger to breaking barriers. He also brings extensive expertise from his roles as a Special Agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and a decorated career in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, spanning 32 years and including three combat tours.

Chief Tien meets with MPD officers and Board Member Alexandra del Moral Mealer.

Chief Tien’s appointment comes as METRO intensifies its focus on safety and security. METRO Police will play a central role in this initiative, which includes a $7.2 million investment in 2025. These efforts aim to increase police presence, strategically deploy officers, and upgrade security infrastructure such as cameras, lighting, and fencing.

Chief Tien meets with MPD command staff.

“The future of mobility hinges on people knowing that they are safe to ride METRO, to drive, and to walk around,” said METRO Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock. “Under Chief Tien’s leadership, METRO PD will collaborate with law enforcement agencies to support a more connected and vibrant region.”

METRO police officers are licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Officers regulate all aspects of the METRO system by riding buses and rail lines, policing platforms and bus shelters, patrolling area roadways and facilities, and working with other law enforcement agencies to protect the entire region.