Regional Transportation District might replace armed security guards with social workers

The Regional Transportation District would cancel its contact with Allied Universal Security and hire outreach workers under a proposed resolution that cites concern about security officers' run-ins with several disadvantaged groups. 

According to a report by Mass Transit Magazine, the move would be among the most drastic steps taken by a U.S. transit agency in response to activists' nationwide calls to defund police. The resolution cites concern about security officers' run-ins with the homeless, people of color and other disadvantaged groups, and it would direct RTD to hire outreach workers -- including professionals with mental-health training -- to replace them.