Metro appoints Acting Chief of Police to top position
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
WMATA
Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul Wiedefeld today announced that Interim Chief Michael Anzallo will serve as Metro Transit Police Department’s new chief.
Anzallo was asked to lead MTPD in August 2021 and helped steer the department through pandemic-related challenges with an emphasis on community policing throughout the region.
“Chief Anzallo is a trusted leader in MTPD who has built important relationships with our communities and jurisdictional police partners,” said Wiedefeld. “He demonstrates genuine concern for helping to solve very difficult challenges that are unique to our business and the region. I know he will be an effective leader for MTPD.”
Michael Anzallo (WMATA via Twitter)
Michael Anzallo assumes Metro Transit Police Chief role
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Since serving as interim chief of police, Anzallo has focused his attention on recruiting a new generation of police officers by updating outdated policies that can preclude men and women from joining MTPD ranks; bolstering support of accountability measures within MTPD that hold officers to the highest standards of policing; building positive relationships with communities in Metro’s service areas to foster collaboration and understanding of neighborhood needs while helping to reduce crimes against people near and on Metro properties; supporting stiffer penalties for proposed legislation to protect frontline transit workers from assaults; expanding police presence to support new service expansion areas in Metro’s territory; and continuing to emphasize opportunities for dedicated training that supports the future of a growing region.
“For the majority of my life, I’ve had the pleasure of serving the public,” said Anzallo. “I’m truly honored to lead extraordinary men and women who wake up everyday with a willingness to be positive examples in our communities. I look forward to coming to work each day, and I’m excited to lead this department and elevate 21st century policing needs.”
