The DeKalb Police Department (DPD) announces that it will begin providing  proactive patrolling services on DeKalb Public Transit buses starting in January 2025.  

The patrols will be conducted on a voluntary basis by DPD officers as overtime detail.  The addition of special transit patrols will not impact DPD’s overall policing activities.  

“The special transit patrols offered by DPD will provide a valuable resource in providing a  safer transit riding experience,” said Mike Neuenkirchen, Transit Manger for the City of  DeKalb.  

DPD Chief David Byrd stated the special transit patrols will assist in DPD’s community  outreach activities. “Our officers will not only provide a visible presence for crime  deterrence on transit routes, but these transit patrols will also allow our officers an  excellent opportunity to engage with the community as part of this duty.” 

Neuenkirchen noted that the transit program does not presently see significant reports of  crime or disturbances on transit routes. “Our partnership with DPD is designed to be  proactive instead of reactive. Having a police presence on our transit routes will help  keep our transit system safe as ridership increases.” 

Costs for the transit-oriented transit patrols will be underwritten through the City of DeKalb  Public Transit Division’s federal transit assistance grants. This program is part of a federal  initiative to assist local transit agencies in implementing safety and security measures on  public transit. 

The City of DeKalb Public Transit Division oversees transit funding and planning for the  DeKalb Urbanized Area, including the City of DeKalb, the City of Sycamore, the Town of  Cortland, and Northern Illinois University. Transit services, including the Huskie Line  routes and paratransit services, are provided on a contractual basis by Transdev, Inc. In  2024, the program provided 1,001,563 passenger trips. For more information on the City  of DeKalb Public Transit Division, please visit https://www.cityofdekalb.com/1283/DeKalb Public-Transit.