The MTA announced yesterday that Douglas Ziegler, a 37-year veteran of the New York Police Department and, at one time, the highest ranking black officer, as the new Director of Security. Ziegler, who retired from the force in June, has a law degree and served in various leadership positions with the NYPD. “The safety and security of the millions of people who use our transit system every day is our top priority, and Chief Zeigler is uniquely qualified to lead our multi-faceted security program,” MTA Chairman and CEO Jay H. Walder said in a statement. “Chief Zeigler brings with him a wealth of knowledge from three decades at the NYPD that will guide MTA security policy and support the continuation of our tight partnership with local, state and federal law enforcement.”
Ziegler, who replaces William Morange, will be instrumental in coordinating security efforts with Homeland Security, the FBI, the National Guard and the city and state police. He’ll also oversee the MTA’s own police department which is in charge of protecting the authority’s rail network in 14 counties and two states. “The MTA’s services are so important to our way of life here in New York, and I look forward to working with the MTA Police and our colleagues in law enforcement to keep our customers safe and our system secure,” he said.