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NYPD Transit Chief tapped to become head of transit security

“[Michael Kemper is] passionate about subway safety and transit safety — he’s the right man for the job, we’re thrilled he’s coming over,” MTA chairman Janno Lieber announced

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NYPD Chief of Transit Michael Kemper (right) and MTA CEO Janno Lieber speak to the media after a person was shot at the Hoyt-Schermerhorn subway station in Brooklyn, New York City on Thursday, March 14, 2024. (Gardiner Anderson for New York Daily News)

Gardiner Anderson/TNS

By Evan Simko-Bednarski
New York Daily News

NEW YORK — Outgoing NYPD Transit Chief Michael Kemper has been tapped to become the MTA’s new head of security, agency chairman Janno Lieber announced Wednesday.

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Lieber hailed Kemper’s crime reduction record.

“This is the guy who brought us a 10%-plus reduction in crime versus pre-COVID,” Lieber said of Kemper. “He’s passionate about subway safety and transit safety — he’s the right man for the job, we’re thrilled he’s coming over.”

Kemper will be partially replacing Pat Warren , the MTA’s head of safety and security, who left in April to serve as the head of rail safety for the National Transportation Safety Board.

Lieber said the MTA would be splitting Warren’s job — with Kemper focusing specifically on security.

“We want somebody who is just going to focus on security for passengers and the public,” Lieber said.

Carl Hamann , who’s been acting in Warren’s stead since his departure, will continue to head up system safety in an acting capacity.

In his new role, Kemper — a 33-year veteran of the NYPD — will oversee the MTA’s in-house police department, which has jurisdiction over the Long Island Rail Road and Metro North Railroad. He will also be the liaison between the NYPD and MTA.

Kemper is due to begin the new job on Sept. 30.

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