Metro Creates Its Own Law Enforcement Agency
The Los Angeles Metro board has unanimously voted to create its own transit law enforcement agency.
What You Need to Know
This unanimous vote marks a shift in how Metro aims to protect Los Angeles County’s public transit riders and employees.
It has previously spent years relying on contracted services from the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and Long Beach Police Department.
Key points:
- The decision is partly in response to a surge in violence on Metro trains, buses, and stations.
- An audit in 2023 found that contracted officers spent most of their time away from transit areas.
- The transition to an in-house police force will be phased over five years.
- The new agency will be called the "Transit Community Public Safety Department" (TCPSD).
- This move aligns Los Angeles with other major cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco. All of which have their own transit police forces.
- The new force is expected to cost less and potentially be more effective than the current contracted services.
- Plans to have a data-driven approach that balances enforcement with a care-first focus. For example, will address passenger and employee safety while considering the needs of the homeless, mentally ill, and/or drug-addicted. “Recovery paths” of treatment and shelter will be looked at as options.
- Metro will use teams of police, transit officers, ambassadors, crisis staff, and homeless outreach workers to improve safety and help vulnerable people.
How it Impacts You
The creation of the Transit Community Public Safety Department (TCPSD) by Metro offers several potential benefits for property owners and managers.
Safer public transit can raise property values near hubs and corridors. Which can create new development and investment opportunities.
This improved safety can also make nearby offices and shops more attractive, boosting occupancy rates, rental income, and foot traffic.
Businesses located near transit stations might see a reduction in insurance premiums due to the increased safety. Which helps budget for other priorities.
Property managers could find new opportunities to engage with Metro as it develops this new law enforcement agency.
The care-driven approach that this agency plans to have can lead to better support for homeless individuals. Allowing them to get help off the street.
Stay Connected
Metro safety has been a big issue post- Covid. This new law enforcement agency might be the first step in implementing policies that increase the safety of public transit.
By focusing on both enforcement and care, Metro aims to address the complex issues creating this current unsafe environment. Like homelessness.
Stay connected with BOMA on the Frontline for updates on this new agency.
