Thanks to public records requests, we got our hands on this and answers to some of the questions the city and the CTA have refused to address for weeks.
We've learned the goal is to"provide highly visible deterrent force," with those guards working four- to eight-hour shifts - covering about 50 different unlisted posts on the CTA. The contract is clear - the guards have to wear safety vests, like we've seen, and"must be attentive and alert at all times during shift."The guards are working in teams - defined as groups of two – though we have seen them working in much larger groups. That was something the CTA wouldn't address when asked.
Their job is preventing theft, vandalism, and destruction of CTA property, and also preventing trespassers. They are also tasked with observing and detecting any unauthorized activity, and finally,"The Protection of CTA Employees, Passengers and Contractors from bodily harm or death."