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People and partnerships make our system safer.
People and partnerships make our system safer.
We are committed to maintaining a uniformed security presence on our system. They are there to deter crime and respond quickly to incidents, to preserve the safety of all those on our system.
Metro Transit Security Officers
Transit Security Officers are trained Metro employees who understand the unique needs of our system and our riders. These officers enforce the code of conduct and fare payment across the transit system, ensuring compliance and maintaining order.
Metro Transit Security Officers focus on
- Patrolling the system regularly
- De-escalating situations and maintain order and lawfulness on the system
- Enforcing the Metro code of conduct and issuing citations
- Communicating incidents directly with Metro Operations Centers, law enforcement partners, and emergency service providers
- Fare checks and enforcement
Law Enforcement Partners
Metro currently contracts city and county law enforcement partners to patrol buses, trains, and stations regularly. Their visible presence on the system serves as a deterrent to crime and provides a quick response to incidents as they arise.
Law Enforcement Partners focus on
- Patrolling the system regularly
- De-escalating situations and maintain order and lawfulness on the system
- Enforcing the Metro code of conduct, issuing citations, and making arrests
- Communicating with Metro Operations Centers and additional emergency service providers
- Fare checks and enforcement
Metro Ambassadors
Metro Ambassadors greet people, answer questions, help people find their way, and keep a watchful eye out for problems and report them. In a survey, more than 60% of respondents who had seen the Ambassadors indicated ambassadors help them feel safe.
Metro Ambassadors:
- Help passengers get where they need to go
- Are trained to provide life-saving medical support in emergencies
- Document issues and call additional support in an emergency on Metro tablets
Mental Health and Homelessness Outreach Partners
The crisis of homelessness, untreated mental illness and drug addiction are larger societal issues that impact the safety of our riders. Metro has created care-based outreach teams who patrol buses, trains and stations to engage with individuals experiencing these issues, connect them to services, and help place them in housing as needed.
We use a care-based approach
- Place people in interim or permanent housing
- Secure shelter beds to place people sheltering on our system late at night and at the end-of-service into a safe and supportive environment, rather than on our system
- Joint Development projects to build affordable housing
Metro works with
- PATH
- Christ Centered Ministries (CCM), HOPICS
- LA Family Housing
- Union Station Homeless Services
- Helpline Your Center
Metro Transit Community Public Safety Department (TCPSD)
The Metro Transit Community Public Safety Department (TCPSD) is LA Metro’s dedicated unit focused on reimagining public safety across its transit system. This department emphasizes a community-centered and holistic approach to safety, prioritizing equity, compassion, and customer experience.
Key functions of the TCPSD:
- Unarmed crisis response teams assist in mental health crises, substance use, and homelessness
- Oversee the deployment of Metro Transit Ambassadors
- Collaboration with law enforcement to ensure a balanced and secure presence across the system
- Use data and community input to improve safety without over-reliance on traditional policing
Bus and Rail Operators
Bus and rail operators at Metro play a critical role in maintaining the smooth functioning of public transportation across Los Angeles County. Along with operating Metro buses and trains, they provide customer service, and monitor and report any mechanical issues or incidents that occur during their shift.
Bus and Rail operators:
- Detect and react to fire, medical and other emergencies Ensure safe boarding and exiting by monitoring doors and station platforms
- Communicate with Metro’s Bus Operations Control Center to report issues and emergencies Are trained in evacuation procedures to guide passengers to safety in case of breakdowns, fires, or other emergencies
- Coordinate with transit police and law enforcement to address security concerns, such as trespassing or suspicious activity
Custodial Staff
Custodial staff at Metro are silent safety heroes—their constant cleaning and maintenance efforts prevent accidents, reduce crime, and promote a healthier public transit system. Their work directly contributes to a safer, more comfortable experience for millions of passengers every year.
Our custodial staff:
- Keep platforms, stairwells, and bus stops free from clutter and debris, improving visibility, reducing risks of theft, vandalism, and suspicious activity
- Ensure that fire exits, emergency buttons, and pathways remain clear and accessible for quick evacuations.
- Observe and report suspicious or potentially dangerous behavior
- Prevent fire and electrical hazards by removing flammable waste like newspapers and cardboard
- Keep a clean station, bus or train car, which makes passengers feel safer and deters criminal activity.
