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RANTZ AND RAVEZ - I have ridden Metro’s Orange Line, Red Line, Blue Line, and the shuttle from Union Station to Dodger Stadium over the years. Every ride is an interesting experience with genuine concern for my safety and the other passengers. I have personally witnessed a lack of security and various Code of Conduct violations. Law Enforcement personnel were directed in the past not to enforce Code of Conduct Violations or fare evasion. This policy, which has been cancelled, has directly contributed to the lack of safety on the Metro in the past.
The Metro Board of Directors and Metro Leadership has not supported Safety on the Bus and Rail Systems as evidenced by the continuing Deadly and Violent Attacks against Metro employees and transit passengers. The Metro Board has finally realized that enforcement of the LAW establishes orderly and safe operations for everyone. It is sad that blood was shed by innocent people before the Metro Board had the courage to enforce the Code of Conduct and related rules.
The local HEADLINES and media reports reflect the lack of security and safety for all who use the Metro system. It is obvious that passenger and employee safety has not been maintained by the $9 BILLION DOLLAR Transit system run by the METRO Board of Directors, Executives, and staff.
The following NEWS Headlines reflects the Violence and Criminal activity committed in and around the METRO transit systems operating throughout Los Angeles County……
*Metro riders speak out about crime, drug use and homeless on transit system.
*Man Wounded in Shooting at Metro Green Line Station.
*Man Found Dead at Lynwood Metro station I’d.
*Wife speaks out after man shot to death on Metro bus in Commerce; suspect charged.
*Suspect Arrested for Metro Stabbing in Lynwood.
*Recent assaults on LA Metro transit prompt safety proposals at Thursday board meeting.
*L.A. Metro plans to address violence.
*After violent attacks, bus drivers stage L.A. sick-out.
*Editorial: Metro riders need safer trains and buses. That doesn’t necessarily mean more police.
*L.A. Metro Crime Statistics are an Absolute Horror Show.
*L.A. Metro operators demanding better protections.
*L.A. Metro board ponders facial recognition, other security.
*Metro Board backs whopping $9 billion budget, more safety.
*Safety is a concern for L.A. metro riders and officials.
*Dangerous lack of Security at L.A. Metro Rail Subway.
*L.A. Metro declares public safety emergency due to recent incidents.
*LA Metro adding new security officers amid safety concerns.
*Woman fatally stabbed in neck at Studio City Metro Station.
*Rise in mass transit crime has LA Officials searching for solutions.
*Man, Fatally Shot on Metro Gold Line Train in Baldwin Hills.
*Metro Expediting Procurement of Glass Barriers to Protect Bus Operators.
*L.A. Metro is doomed if it can’t keep bus and train riders safe.
*1 dead in stabbing, shooting at Metro station in Hollywood.
*Los Angeles city bus driver violently attacked by woman over fare dispute.
*LA City Council members express frustration over violent incidents on Metro trains and buses.
*Rise in mass transit crime has LA officials searching for solutions.
*Metro faced with 3 more assaults.
*Metro to Introduce Motion for Increased Law Enforcement for Buses and Trains.
*String of Assaults Strokes Safety Fears on L.A. Metro.
*1 Dead, 1 Injured in shooting at Reseda bus stop.
*Man killed in attack on Metro train in Hawthorne.
*L.A. Metro bus operator stabbed multiple times in heinous act of violence.
*Metro bus driver stabbed in the back in Venice, the second attack in a month.
*Police investigating stabbing outside North Hollywood Metro Station.
*Body found at Lynwood Metro station.
*Man killed in Gang-Related Shooting near Metro Station.
*Man Dies after bring Pepper Sprayed on Metro Bus by assailant.
With all the evidence of continuing and escalating crime and violence on the Metro, one would think that the Metro Board of Directors and management would have a game plan to address the situation. Unfortunately, to this point, little has been effective to reduce the Fear and continuing crimes against innocent riders and Metro employees.
The Metro Board of Directors recently directed that Metro re-establish an in-house law enforcement agency to reduce crime and the fear of crime on the Transit Lines. It is interesting to note that 25 years ago there was a Metro Police Agency dedicated to providing safety on the Metro Bus System. The agency was disbanded and contracts for patrols were established with the Los Angeles County Sheriff, LAPD and Long Beach Police Departments. The three law enforcement agencies currently provide police services to the entire Metro system.
If and when a Metro Transit Police Agency is established, they will be dedicated solely to Metro security. The only problem with the plan is that it will take between 3 to 5 years to establish. The agency will be built from the top down with an executive staff, administrative and all the cost associated building a police agency. So, what happens in the meantime to the passengers who risk becoming the next crime victim on the Metro? The LA Sheriff, LAPD and Long Beach Police will continue providing safety for all associated with Metro.
When Metro wakes up and examines the lack of interest in pursuing a law enforcement career with the CHP, LA Sheriff, LAPD or any of the other police agency in the Los Angeles region desperate for candidates, they might realize that recruiting hundreds of personnel to Metro might be more challenging than they ever thought. For example, the starting salary for the CHP in training is currently $8,131 a month. In addition to many other benefits while in training. The LAPD starting salary is $88,698 and rises to $97,300 a year. The L.A. Sheriff starting salary after academy graduation runs from $82,157 to $138,605. The Beverly Hills Police median salary is $91,000 a year. You can see that the starting salary does not include Overtime pay and all the benefits for Medical, Vacation and a long list of other job perks. Good luck finding qualified candidates to join the Metro Police Dept with all the competition from the other established Law Enforcement agencies in So Calif.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is the current Metro Board Chair. Hahn has committed to riding the Metro on a regular schedule. Will she ride alone or with a Law Enforcement escort? I wish my former colleague from the Los Angeles City Council Safe and Happy Travels on the Metro…….
(Dennis P. Zine is the author of RantZ and RaveZ and a regular contributor to CityWatch. 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 is a featured guest on KABC Radio along with Fox 11 and Spectrum News.)
