Lantz and Lavez – Over the years, I have ridden Metro’s Orange Line, Red Line, Blue Line, and shuttle from Union Station to Dodger Stadium. Each ride has been an interesting experience where I genuinely cared about my safety and the safety of other passengers. I have personally witnessed a lack of security and various code of conduct violations. Law enforcement officers have been instructed in the past not to crack down on code of conduct violations and fare evasion. This policy has been rescinded, but it has directly contributed to Metro’s lack of safety in the past.
The Metro Board and Metro leadership do not stand for the safety of our bus and rail system, as evidenced by the continued deadly and violent attacks on Metro employees and passengers. The Metro Board has finally realized that enforcing the law ensures orderly and safe operation for all. It is sad that innocent blood was shed before the Metro Board had the courage to enforce the Code of Conduct and related regulations.
Local headlines and media reports reflect a lack of security and safety for all who use the Metro system. It is clear that the $9 billion transit system run by Metro’s board, executives and staff does not ensure the safety of its passengers and employees.
The following news headlines reflect violent and criminal activity occurring in and around the Metro transit system operating throughout Los Angeles County…
*Subway riders are speaking out about crime, drug use and homelessness on the transit system.
* A man was injured in a shooting at a Metro Green Line station.
*A man was found dead at the Lynnwood Metro station.
* Wife speaks out after man shot to death on Commerce Metro bus, suspect faces charges.
* A suspect has been arrested in a stabbing at a Lynnwood subway.
*Proposed safety measures were put forward at a board meeting Thursday in the wake of recent attacks on Los Angeles Metro transit systems.
*LA Metro has a plan in place to address the violence.
* Bus drivers go on strike in LA after violent attacks.
*Editorial: Subway riders want safer trains and buses, and that doesn’t necessarily mean more police.
*The crime statistics for the city of Los Angeles are truly horrifying.
* Los Angeles subway operators are calling for better protections.
* The Los Angeles Metro Commission is considering facial recognition and other security measures.
*Metro Commission supports huge $9 billion budget and more safety.
*Safety is a concern for Los Angeles Metro riders and officials.
*The lack of security on LA Metrorail subways is dangerous.
*LA Metro has declared a public safety emergency due to recent incidents.
*LA Metro adds new security guards due to safety concerns.
*A woman was stabbed in the neck and killed at a Studio City subway station.
*Rising crime on public transportation has Los Angeles officials searching for solutions.
*A man was shot and killed on a Metro Gold Line train in Baldwin Hills.
* Metro is expediting procurement of glass barriers to protect bus drivers.
*LA Metro will be doomed if it fails to keep passengers safe on its buses and trains.
*One person killed in stabbing and shooting at Hollywood subway station.
* Los Angeles city bus driver assaulted by woman in dispute over fare.
*Los Angeles city council members expressed frustration over violence on subway trains and buses.
*Rising crime on public transportation has Los Angeles officials searching for solutions.
*Metro faced three more attacks.
*Metro plans to file a motion calling for increased enforcement on buses and trains.
*A series of assaults raises concerns about safety on the Los Angeles subway.
*One person killed, one injured in a shooting at a bus stop in Reseda.
*Man killed in Hawthorne subway train attack.
*A Los Angeles Metro bus driver is stabbed multiple times in a vicious act of violence.
* Metro bus driver stabbed in the back in Venice, second attack in a month.
*Police are investigating a stabbing that happened outside a North Hollywood subway station.
*The body was found at the Lynnwood subway station.
* A man is killed in a gang-related shooting near a subway station.
*A man dies after being pepper-sprayed by an assailant on a subway bus.
With so much evidence that crime and violence on the subway continues and intensifies, one would think that the Subway Board and management would have a plan to deal with the situation. Unfortunately, at this point, very little has been effective in reducing the terror and continued crime against innocent passengers and subway employees.
Metro’s Board of Directors recently directed that Metro re-establish in-house law enforcement to reduce crime and fear of crime on transit routes. It is interesting to note that 25 years ago there was a Metro Police Agency dedicated to ensuring safety on the Metro bus system. This agency was disbanded and patrol contracts were awarded to the Los Angeles County Sheriff, Los Angeles Police Department, and Long Beach Police Department. Currently, three law enforcement agencies provide police services for the entire Metro system.
If a Metro Transit Police Bureau were created, it would be dedicated to Metro security. The only problem with this plan is that it would take 3-5 years to establish. The bureau would be built from the top down, with executive staff, management, and all the expenses that come with establishing a police bureau. So what happens to the riders who are at risk of becoming the next Metro crime victim in the meantime? The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Police Department, and Long Beach Police Department will continue to provide safety for everyone involved with Metro.
When Metro wakes up and examines the lack of interest in pursuing a career as a law enforcement officer with the CHP, LA Sheriff, LAPD, or any other police agency in the Los Angeles area that is desperate for candidates, Metro may realize that recruiting hundreds of personnel to Metro may be more difficult than they ever thought possible. For example, the starting salary for a CHP in training is currently $8,131 per month. The starting salary for the LAPD is $88,698 during training, in addition to many other benefits, and goes up to $97,300 per year. The starting salary for an LA Sheriff after graduating from the Academy ranges from $82,157 to $138,605. The average salary for the Beverly Hills Police Department is $91,000 per year. You will find that the starting salary does not include all the benefits of overtime pay, medical, vacation, and many other job perks. With so much competition from other law enforcement agencies in Southern California, it will be hard to find qualified candidates to join the Metropolitan Police Department.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is the current Chair of the Metro Commission. Hahn has committed to riding the Metro regularly. Will she ride alone or with a police escort? I wish my former colleague on the Los Angeles City Council a safe and enjoyable trip on the Metro…
(Dennis P. Zinn is the author of RantZ and RaveZ and a regular CityWatch contributor. Dennis is retired from law enforcement and the Los Angeles City Council. Dennis continues to serve the people of Los Angeles as a Reserve Police Officer. Dennis has been a featured guest on KABC Radio, as well as Fox 11 and Spectrum News.)