MTS Names Manuel Guaderrama as New Director of Security

30-year law enforcement veteran responsible for 220 security and code compliance officers

San Diego – The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has named Manuel Guaderrama as the organization’s new director of security. He begins his role immediately. In a subsequent move, MTS promoted Ed Musgrove, manager of field operations, to deputy director.   

“Manny has a proven track record in law enforcement that qualifies him to lead our security department. We’re fortunate to have him as our new director of security. I have every confidence in Manny’s ability to provide leadership and expertise to the most important aspect of our business – the safety and security of our passengers and employees.”  

Guaderrama, the current deputy director of transit security at MTS, is taking over for former MTS Chief of Police Bill Burke, who passed away suddenly on June 29. Guaderrama is a 30-year veteran of the San Diego Police Department, where he led many different teams including SWAT, Traffic and K-9 units. He was raised in San Diego and graduated from San Diego State University. He is also a recent graduate of the FBI National Academy.

 “This is an exciting time to be at MTS,” said Guaderrama. “Bill Burke made a great legacy here and I look forward to building on what he’s accomplished. We’ve made significant strides in recent years to improve the system’s security, and we will continue to seek out ways to make it even better.”

Guaderrama will have oversight of 185 security officers from Transit Systems Security, a contracted security agency that provides security and patrol services for MTS. Guaderrama will also directly manage 35 code compliance inspectors who check for proper fares, maintain a safe environment at transit stations and issue citations. MTS has implemented a number of measures to improve the safety of passengers and employees. A few highlights include:

• Closed-circuit TV at Trolley stations
• “See Something, Say Something” public awareness campaign
• On-board cameras on all Trolleys and buses
• Body cameras on code compliance officers
• TSA-trained K-9 units
• Security details to patrol late night trains and stations
• Transit Security Task Force with local law enforcement agencies

MTS operates 95 bus routes and three Trolley lines on 53 miles of double-tracked railway. Every weekday, more than 300,000 passenger trips are taken on MTS bus and Trolley services. For more information on how you can use public transportation and save money, go to www.sdmts.com.

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