This sounds plausible. The crime statistics don't support the idea that MAX is actually a dangerous place to be, but disorderly conduct and "menacing" aren't going to show up in most statistics. People get the impression they aren't safe.

But I wonder if we really need police on MAX, or if more uniformed Tri-Met fare inspectors would be sufficient to help people feel safer.

It seems like the most common trouble on the MAX is just a bunch of loud/cursing teens making an otherwise peaceful ride miserable for everybody. I actually called up TriMet recently to ask if they could suggest anything to do in such a situation, and I was advised to hop on the other car at the next stop and let the driver know over the intercom. Depending on the situation, the driver could make an announcement, alert personnel at an upcoming platform, stop the train, whatever. I hadn't thought of getting on the other car to use the intercom -- that way you don't have to do it right in front of the people causing trouble or confront them directly. It also gives people peace of mind to see that when there's trouble, the driver will take care of it. Perhaps there should be one of those placards above the windows giving people this tip on a practical measure to take when there's a situation on board. The more people know about it, the fewer incidents there will be. This seems like an easy and very cost-effective way to resolve a lot of the problems that are making headlines lately.

Here is an interesting comment from a recently retired 25 year trimet veteran.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgF2rnhETrA

Of course the certain way to avoid TriMet's criminals is to not use Trimet.

You will also be saving money because MAX costs far more than driving when you consider actual costs, not just the fare which is only 1/5 of the actual cost. See PortlandFacts.com

Thanks
JK

JK, your methodologies have been discussed before. Refer back to that.

JK: Of course the certain way to avoid TriMet's criminals is to not use Trimet.

Which gives us the likely alternative of driving, which kills 40-46,000 Americans every year. I haven't done the math, but it could be that the only way to avoid the risk entirely is to hunker down in a bomb shelter somewhere. Or, we could do what most of us do, which is choose the option most agreeable to us, and do what we can to address or avoid life's many risks. I choose to walk and ride Trimet. Karlock chooses to drive (in between spewing propaganda on anyone who will listen). Move on.

Of course the certain way to avoid TriMet's criminals is to not use Trimet.

Of course the certain way to avoid bank robberies is to avoid banks.
Of course the certain way to avoid Internet predators is to stay off the Internet.
Of course the certain way to avoid terrorist attacks is never to go where people congregate.
Of course the certain way to keep your kid from getting sick is to keep the kid out of school and away from friends.
Of course the certain way to avoid house fires is to live in a cave.

And so on.