MARTA Police Department Headquarters in Atlanta: What You Need To Know

The MARTA Police Department (MPD) Headquarters is the central hub for law enforcement on Atlanta’s public transit system. If you ride MARTA buses, trains, or use MARTA stations and facilities anywhere in the Atlanta area, this is the police agency responsible for your safety on that system.

Below is a practical guide to what the MARTA Police Department HQ does, where it is, and how to get help quickly in Atlanta.

What Is the MARTA Police Department?

The MARTA Police Department is a dedicated law enforcement agency that serves the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) system. Its officers are sworn police officers with full arrest powers in their jurisdiction.

They focus specifically on:

• MARTA rail stations and platforms
• MARTA buses and bus stops
• MARTA parking decks and park-and-ride lots
• MARTA trains and properties (tracks, yards, facilities)

Their job is to keep MARTA riders, employees, and facilities safe, and to enforce state and local laws on and around MARTA property.

MARTA Police Department Headquarters Location & Contact

MARTA Police Department Headquarters
2424 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30324

Non-emergency phone (MARTA Police Services):

• Often listed as: 404-848-4911 (check current MARTA materials to confirm)

Emergency on MARTA property:

• 📞 Call 911 (for life-threatening emergencies)
• Or use the MARTA See & Say app or call the MARTA Police number posted in stations and on trains

Because phone numbers and extensions can occasionally change, it’s smart to verify via official MARTA materials when you’re in a station or on a train.

When Should You Contact MARTA Police vs. Atlanta Police?

In Atlanta, it can be confusing to decide whether to contact MARTA Police or Atlanta Police Department (APD). A good rule of thumb is:

• On MARTA property → MARTA Police
• Off MARTA property → City or county police (APD or other local agency)

Typical situations for MARTA Police

You would typically contact MARTA Police for issues in or around:

• Rail stations and platforms (e.g., Five Points, Peachtree Center, Airport Station)
• Onboard trains or buses
• MARTA parking decks and bus loops
• Park-and-ride lots near stations
• MARTA administrative or maintenance facilities

Examples:

• Disorderly or aggressive behavior on a train
• Suspicious package or unattended bag in a station
• Car break-in or suspicious activity in a MARTA parking deck
• Harassment, indecent exposure, or other criminal behavior on MARTA

Typical situations for Atlanta Police (or other local police)

You would typically contact Atlanta Police Department or the local city/county police if:

• The incident is on a city street, private business, home, or non-MARTA parking lot
• You are completely off MARTA property when the incident occurs

Examples:

• Car break-in in a private lot not connected to a station
• Crime at a business or residence not owned by MARTA
• Neighborhood disturbances or non-transit-related issues

If you are unsure, call 911 in an emergency and explain where you are; dispatch will route the call appropriately, often coordinating between MARTA Police and local agencies.

How MARTA Police Patrol Atlanta Transit

MARTA Police officers work across the system using several approaches:

• Station officers: Assigned to busy stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, North Avenue, and Airport
• Rail patrols: Ride trains along different lines, focusing on peak hours and higher-traffic periods
• Bus patrols: Conduct random and targeted checks on bus routes and major bus hubs
• K-9 units: Trained dogs and handlers, often used for explosive detection and security sweeps
• Specialized units: For investigations, crime suppression, and emergency response

If you regularly commute in Atlanta on MARTA, you’ll most likely see officers:

• At fare gates and concourses
• On platforms during rush hour
• Inside trains and buses, either in uniform or occasionally in plain clothes

Services Provided by MARTA Police HQ

The headquarters oversees many areas of public safety on MARTA. Common consumer-facing services include:

1. Emergency Response on MARTA

MARTA Police respond to:

• Assaults, fights, or threats
• Weapons-related incidents
• Medical emergencies (often in coordination with fire/EMS)
• Suspicious packages or bomb threats
• Severe disturbances or criminal activity on transit

On MARTA property, they work closely with Atlanta Fire Rescue, Atlanta Police, and other regional agencies when necessary.

2. Crime Reporting and Follow-Up

If you are a victim of a crime on MARTA (for example, theft or assault), the report will typically be taken by a MARTA Police officer.

Expect:

• A case number or incident number
• Instructions on how to obtain a copy of the police report
• Follow-up information if detectives are assigned to the case

Reports and records are usually handled through MARTA Police administrative offices, which are managed from HQ.

3. Lost & Found vs. Theft

Many riders in Atlanta are unsure whether to treat a missing item as lost property or stolen property:

• Left something behind (bag, umbrella, phone) and no sign of theft → Check with MARTA’s Lost & Found and station agents first.
• Saw someone take your belongings or notice clear signs of theft (bag slashed, pocket picked) → Report it to MARTA Police as a possible crime.

The headquarters provides oversight and policy for how these cases are handled.

4. Security Cameras and Evidence

MARTA uses security cameras extensively in:

• Stations and platforms
• Parking decks
• On trains and buses

If a crime occurs, MARTA Police may review footage as part of their investigation. For many riders, this is an important part of how incidents are documented and resolved.

How to Get Help Quickly on MARTA in Atlanta

When you’re actually on the system, these are the most useful ways to reach MARTA Police:

1. Use Emergency Call Boxes

In rail stations and on platforms, you’ll find:

• Blue emergency phones or call boxes
• Intercoms marked for emergencies near elevators, escalators, and fare gates

These connect you directly to MARTA staff or security, who can contact MARTA Police and local emergency services.

2. Use the MARTA See & Say App 📱

MARTA promotes a mobile app (often referred to as “See & Say”) that allows riders to:

• Report suspicious activity
• Send photos and descriptions of what you’re seeing
• Choose whether you want to be contacted or remain anonymous

The app is especially helpful if:

• You don’t feel safe making a phone call
• You want to discreetly report behavior on a crowded train
• You’re not sure whether it rises to an emergency, but you want MARTA Police aware

3. Talk to a Station Agent or Operator

You can also:

• Tell the station agent in the booth at rail stations
• Notify your bus driver if something is happening on the bus
• Talk to a train operator when the train is stopped at a station

These employees can call MARTA Police directly and provide location details.

Common Issues MARTA Police Handle in Atlanta

Here are some of the day-to-day issues MARTA Police frequently address:

• Disorderly conduct: Loud disturbances, aggressive panhandling, harassment
• Property crimes: Theft of phones or bags, vehicle break-ins in MARTA lots
• Vandalism and graffiti: On trains, buses, and in stations
• Fare-related incidents: Fare evasion and gate-jumping
• Prohibited behavior: Smoking or vaping on trains and in stations, open containers of alcohol, drinking on platforms
• Trespassing: Entering non-public areas, walking on tracks, or unauthorized access to restricted zones

For Atlanta riders, this means you can report not just extreme emergencies, but also behavior that makes the system feel unsafe or disruptive.

Quick Reference: Who to Call in Atlanta

Here is a simple summary to keep handy:

Tips for Staying Safe on MARTA in Atlanta

MARTA Police focus on safety, but there are steps you can take as a rider:

• Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Keep phones and valuables secure and not loosely in back pockets or open bags.
• Stand near other riders on platforms and choose more populated train cars when possible.
• Use well-lit station exits and, if you feel uncomfortable, seek out station agents or officers.
• If someone is making you feel unsafe, move away and report it rather than engaging.

These habits, combined with the presence of MARTA Police, can make transit in Atlanta feel safer and more predictable.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta who uses MARTA, understanding the role and location of the MARTA Police Department headquarters and knowing how to contact MARTA Police can make a big difference if something goes wrong during your trip.