AUSTIN, Texas — Austin’s transit agency, CapMetro, officially welcomed the new chief of its Transit Police Department during a swearing-in ceremony on Monday.

RenEarl Bowie, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, now leads the department.

CapMetro officials said Bowie joined the agency’s Transit Police Department in May after more than three decades with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Bowie said one of his key priorities is increasing officer visibility across buses and trains to better understand riders’ experiences.

“One of the first things we’re trying to do is actually be seen and be out there,” Bowie said. “The first key to stopping any crime is having a police presence, being a deterrent. That’s our goal, first and foremost.”

After taking his oath, Bowie swore in th

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