The Bellevue Police Department recently announced its new police unit, The Bellevue Light Rail Unit (BLU). It is a dedicated unit created to foster a safe and positive riding experience who choose to use the new Link Light Rail Service through Bellevue. The 2-Line that features eight new stations, officially opens on April 27th.
“As the City of Bellevue continues to Link up with the greater Puget Sound region, our officers are committed to helping continue Bellevue’s reputation as being the go-to place to safely work, live, and play. The BPD’s new Light Rail Unit accomplishes this goal,” said Wendell Shirley, Chief of Police. “Whenever you’re riding the 2 Line and see a BLU officer at your station or on your train, just remember: they’re there for you.”
Bellevue will have six Link stops within the patrol duties of the BLU team. The goal is to help reduce crime and the fear of crime in the community.
Bellevue Police Department’s BLU partnered with Sound Transit and King County representatives to create a strategy that would have an outcome of officers throughout the City of Bellevue.
“We appreciate the City of Bellevue’s partnership in supplementing Sound Transit’s on-board and in-station security teams to help keep our Eastside light rail passengers safe,” said Russ Arnold, Sound Transit deputy CEO and chief service delivery officer.
The Link 2-Line will have a ribbon cutting ceremony plus activities throughout the day on Saturday, April 27th. Bellevue Police Department’s new BLU unit will be in attendance. The celebrations will begin at 10am with the ribbon cutting ceremony and last until 4pm.
During the celebrations, City Hall will be open for extended hours, to showcase art from Sound Transit. The artwork display features the process of building Link lines 1 and 2. It will be available for viewing through the fall.
Although Sound Transit’s Link 2 Line won’t connect to Seattle and Mercer Island for what is slated for late next year, the “starter line” will make travel easier between South Bellevue and Microsoft headquarters in Redmond.
How many officers will be assigned to BLU?