Media Relations Contact:
Morgan Lyons

June 22, 2001

New Lieutenant completes FBI training

Javier Rivera named head of DART Rail patrol

DART has named Javier Rivera a lieutenant in the DART Transit Police Department to head the rail patrol division. Rivera, a peace officer since 1984, has been with DART since 1991 and a sergeant since 1995.

Rivera recently completed the 10-week FBI National Academy Program for professional police leaders, receiving advanced legal, investigative, management and fitness training. "The FBI training is part of DART's program to upgrade its police force to match the growth of the DART system," said Juan Rodriguez, DART Chief of Police.

The majority of Rivera's law enforcement career has been in management. Following a stint in the U.S. Marines, he joined the Nueces County Sheriff's Department and rose to the rank of captain. In his new position, Rivera says he will concentrate on maximizing the effectiveness of the rail patrol.

"In the next two years, DART's rail system will double in size. It's a tremendous challenge for the Transit Police to ensure the security of our customers and employees on every part of the line," Rivera said. "I'm sure my training will help as we find the optimum deployment of our officers."

"We're very pleased at Lt. Rivera's success with the Academy at Quantico, Virginia, and we're sure he'll add to the professionalism and effectiveness of the DART Transit Police," Rodriguez said.

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