The Regional Transportation District’s police chief is on unspecified leave this month amid efforts to increase safety for riders as violence and illegal drug use spread onto buses and trains. RTD Board Chairman Erik Davidson responded to questions from The Denver Post on Thursday, confirming in a text message that “Chief Joel Fitzgerald is on leave, effective July 1.” Davidson didn’t comment further and RTD communications officials declined to provide details or an explanation. RTD Board Director Doug Tisdale, who also serves on the American Public Transportation Association board, said ramping up police protection for RTD riders will continue. “Any issues that may be associated with our chief of police do not impair or impede our plans to continue to enhance and provide greater security along the entire RTD system, including the continued employment of additional police officers,” Tisdale said in an email. RTD is struggling to contain societal violence spilling into public transit spaces that once were safer.