Public Safety Advisory Committee

Why is Metro pursuing a Transit Policing Safety Committee?

Following the George Floyd protests in 2020, the Metro Board of Directors sought recommendations from Metro’s System Security and Law Enforcement Department on ways to reform the agency’s policing practices as well as reallocating resources typically devoted to policing to other forms of community safety. Metro is now re-evaluating its safety strategies to ensure it is meeting the needs and expectations of transit riders.

As part of this effort, Metro will work in partnership with community leaders to re-envision transit safety and community-based approaches to policing as it considers the renewal of its multiagency law enforcement police contract in 2022. The establishment of a Transit Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) will give Metro the opportunity to consult with key law enforcement and related community members to develop a more accountable culture of policing for its upcoming police contract.

What is the advisory committee expected to do?

The advisory committee incorporates Metro’s existing Community Safety and Security Working Group and provides additional perspectives from ridership and advocacy organizations in the areas of race, gender, income, geography, immigration and housing. The ultimate goal is to create a community-based approach to safety.  The PSAC advises Metro’s System Security and Law Enforcement, Office of the CEO, Office of Civil Rights, Executive Officer for Equity and Race, Communications Department and Office of Customer Experience on creating a community-based approach to public safety on the transit system. Areas of interest include:

• Developing a transit ambassador program that provides staffed presence at Metro facilities and on Metro vehicles.
• Identifying alternatives to armed law enforcement response to nonviolent crimes and code of conduct violations.
• Enhancing greater community stewardship of transit spaces including stops and station plazas.
• Education/expansion of Metro fare discount programs.
• Outreach and services for unhoused individuals.
• Input on the scope of services, budget, and other provisions of the multiagency police contract renewal.
• Review Metro’s Customer Code of Conduct.
• A shift of resources from armed law enforcement to the above strategies.

What other Metro departments are involved in this effort?

Metro’s System Security and Law Enforcement Department engaged Metro’s Office of the CEO, Office of Civil Rights, Office of Equity and Race, Office of Customer Experience, Communications Department and the Inspector General to develop this new community-based approach.

Where does Metro stand regarding racial justice issues?

Metro believes in liberty and justice for all, and stands against systematic racism and senseless violence in all forms. We concurred with and understand those who protested for racial justice and equality and against police brutality. Metro’s programs greatly reinforce this agenda, including our Board-adopted Equity Program and Women and Girls Governing Council. Metro has also established an Office of Civil Rights as well as an Office of Equity and Race to help ensure our system supports the rights of all our transit riders.

How much time will be required of committee members?

Exact meeting times and dates will be finalized once the committee is established. However, Metro anticipates that meetings will occur twice per month. Meetings will take place virtually and most likely will be scheduled in the late afternoon or early evening. Metro anticipates that this will require a time commitment of at least 4 hours per month.

How were members selected?

Applications were reviewed by members of the participating departments, including the Chief System Security and Law Enforcement Officer, Chief Civil Rights Officer, Executive Officer for Equity and Race, and Executive Officer for Customer Experience. A separate application process was used to select three non-voting (ex-officio) Metro employees representing Metro bus operators and maintenance/cleaning.

How can I get more information?

Interested community stakeholders can get the latest updates here on metro.net/psac or may email psac@metro.net for more information.

How can someone apply?

The application period is now closed. At this time, Metro is not accepting applications.

Where will the meetings be held?

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the meetings will be held in a virtual environment via Zoom, until further notice.

How can I request accommodation?

Please send your request to psac@metro.net for accommodations. All requests for reasonable accommodations, interpretation services and materials in other languages must be made at least three working days (72 hours) in advance of the scheduled meeting date.

How can I submit my public comment?

Submit your comments by 5pm the day prior:

• Via email: psac@metro.net
• By mail: Public Safety Advisory Committee, One Gateway Plaza, MS: 99-25-1, Los Angeles, CA 90012

These comments will be read by the moderator during the meeting.

Please include the meeting date and agenda item number in your correspondence. Comments received via mail or email will be read for up to one minute per person, per item. Public comment will be taken after each agenda item for a maximum of one-minute per comment. Comments on non-agenda items but within the subject matter jurisdiction of the PSAC will be heard at the end of agenda for a maximum of one-minute per comment.