CapMetro Thanks Him for his Dedication to Building the Agency’s First Transit Police Department
AUSTIN, TX — After three years of dedicated leadership, CapMetro Transit Police Chief Eric Robins has accepted a new position near Houston as the Chief of Police for Alief ISD. Chief Robins has been instrumental in helping build CapMetro’s Transit Police Department, guiding the agency through the development, certification and launch, as part of the agency’s larger public safety program.
Under Chief Robin’s leadership, CapMetro formed the Transit Police Department and successfully met all the requirements to become certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) in 2024. Chief Robins also successfully began the hiring process, and the Department now has an Assistant Chief, Police Captain, two Sergeants, nine Officers, and a Crime Analyst & Records Manager. The Captain, Sergeants, and Officers were sworn in June 2025 and began patrols shortly thereafter.
Chief Robins was hired in 2022 by CapMetro with a mission to create the agency’s Transit Police Department and to help develop and guide policies that align with the CapMetro culture and with the agency’s broader Public Safety Department. Chief Robins made it his priority to engage with the agency’s frontline staff and community partners each step of the way, and his commitment to public safety and community engagement has made a lasting impact on the region.
CapMetro’s Assistant Chief Joseph Rose will serve as the interim Chief of Police after Robins’ departure, which is anticipated to be in mid-July 2025.
“Chief Robins’ vision and dedication were critical in the successful launch and certification of our Transit Police Department,” said Dottie Watkins, CapMetro President and CEO. “We wish him well in his next endeavor, and CapMetro remains steadfast in our commitment to public safety. We are confident in Assistant Chief Rose and our entire department to seamlessly continue this vital work.”
Assistant Chief Rose was hired by Robins in 2023 and has an extensive background in both transportation and policing. Rose started in law enforcement with the Metro Transit Police Department, in Washington, D.C, before continuing his career at the newly created City of Bowie Police Department (BPD) in 2007. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has attended various leadership programs throughout his career.
“I am grateful to CEO Watkins, and Chief Safety Officer Gardner Tabon, for their confidence in me to lead the department during this transition period,” said Assistant Chief Rose. “I want to assure the public that there will be no disruption to the service we are here to provide. We will continue to help keep our transit network secure, recruit top talent, and engage the community each step of the way.”
CapMetro will begin a nationwide search for a permanent Transit Police Chief in the near future.
1 Comment
Nancy crowther
I commend CapMetro’s leadership for not only keeping our.ridership and operator’s safety and security as a priority but also the engaging and interactions with the public input and involvement on an advisory basis. I salute the CMTA leadership for this latest establishment. Welcome Aboard!