The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) named Interim Chief Michael Anzallo as the new head of Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) in a statement on Thursday, February 3.
“Chief Anzallo is a trusted leader in MTPD who has built important relationships with our communities and jurisdictional police partners,” said Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld. “He demonstrates genuine concern for helping to solve very difficult challenges that are unique to our business and the region. I know he will be an effective leader for MTPD.”
Having played a key role in community policing as the department went through challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anzallo was offered the new post in August 2021, according to WMATA.
He also served as a police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), before joining MTPD as assistant police chief in 2018.
“For the majority of my life, I’ve had the pleasure of serving the public,” Anzallo said after the appointment. “I’m truly honored to lead extraordinary men and women who wake up everyday with a willingness to be positive examples in our communities. I look forward to coming to work each day, and I’m excited to lead this department and elevate 21st century policing needs.”
MPD Chief Robert Contee also made a statement, praising Anzallo’s long career and expressing his confidence that Anzallo “will lead that charge with the same level of professionalism and vigor that he did during his three decades of service with MPD.”