Metro Board to Consider In-House Police Force

The Los Angeles Metro Board of Directors will meet Thursday to consider four proposals for establishing an in-house police department, a move aimed at improving safety and reducing costs on the county’s transit system.

The board is expected to select one proposal to guide the agency in creating its own police force, replacing current contracts with the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and Long Beach Police Department.

Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins will present an implementation plan developed with input from the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC). The plan follows months of study, including a feasibility report presented in June 2023 and public listening sessions last fall.

Proponents argue an in-house force would provide greater control over officer deployment and training specific to transit policing. It could also lead to cost savings, with one study estimating annual expenses at $135.4 million compared to the current $173 million for contracted services.

However, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has criticized the proposal, citing concerns about start-up costs, officer recruitment, and potential reductions in law enforcement presence.

The transition to an in-house force could take 3-5 years to fully implement. Metro faces challenges including rising crime rates and issues with unhoused individuals using the system as shelter.

The board’s decision comes as Metro prepares for system expansions and the 2028 Olympics. Six of the 10 largest U.S. transit agencies already operate their own police departments.

Metro previously maintained an in-house police force from 1978 to 1997, which at its peak was California’s 10th largest law enforcement agency.

The meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. at One Gateway Plaza in Los Angeles.