HOUSTON – The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) has announced the appointment of Ban Tien as its new Chief of Police.

Prior to joining METRO, Tien served as Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police for the Houston Police Department, making history as the first Asian American to hold the position. He also has a distinguished military career, having served in the US Army and Army Reserve for 32 years, including combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“This appointment reaffirms that METRO is not a place for crime and Chief Tien is the proven leader we need to protect the system,” METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock said in a news release.

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Officials said Tien’s appointment aligns with METRO’s commitment to enhance rider safety and security. The agency is implementing various measures to improve the customer experience, including increased police presence, advanced technology and improved infrastructure.

“We are grateful for Chief Bumpers’ 43 years of dedicated service to the METRO Police Department,” said Santiago Osorio, METRO Executive Vice President of Safety, Security and Facilities. “We wish him the best in his retirement.”