Meeting_Body
OPERATIONS, SAFETY, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
APRIL 16, 2026
Subject
SUBJECT: MONTHLY UPDATE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
Action
ACTION: RECEIVE AND FILE
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
RECEIVE AND FILE the Public Safety Report.
Issue
ISSUE
Metro is committed to providing outstanding trip experiences for all transportation system users. The agency implemented a multifaceted plan to improve safety outcomes and safety perceptions for riders and employees. The following summarizes current initiatives to accomplish this objective and recent public safety trends. This report summarizes February 2026 activity unless otherwise noted.
Background
BACKGROUND
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) focuses on a human-centered approach, compassion, and a culture of care, recognizing diversity and respecting the wide range of people and communities it serves. DPS seeks a reparative public safety model to address the root causes of crime and disorder that can occur within the system, minimize harm, and promote inclusion. By openly sharing public safety-related statistics, DPS builds trust in the public safety model, fosters transparency, improves public perception of safety in the system, and encourages community engagement. The Metro Safety Hub <https://www.metro.net/safety-support/by-the-numbers/> and data dashboard, which provide additional data, are accessible online. This hub demonstrates the department’s commitment to openness, accountability, and the safety and well-being of employees and the transit community.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
THE SAFETY ENVIRONMENT IN FEBRUARY
February saw typical fluctuations in crime, with no major incidents, underscoring the importance of sustained visible deployments on the Metro system. Most incidents were non-violent and related to fare enforcement and the Code of Conduct. Total reported violent crimes were 169, and property crimes totaled 70, equating to approximately 7.09 and 2.94 per million boardings, respectively. Since there was no spike, deployments remained largely unchanged.
There were a few demonstrations and an impactful rainstorm, and DPS was well prepared and collaborated with other internal and external groups to monitor for potential service disruptions and implement any necessary safety measures. Preparations for the FIFA World Cup continued with DPS personnel facilitating a tabletop exercise with Metro departments, federal, state, and local stakeholders. Public safety personnel coordinated deployments to maintain visibility across the system with fixed and roving teams. There were reported cleanliness issues and Code of Conduct violations at Expo/Western, Pico Station, and 7th Street/Metro Transit Center, which were considered and resulted in deployment adjustments to address the issues.
METRO’S THREE-PART SAFETY STRATEGY
1. Engaged and Visible Presence
Visible presence contributes directly to order, predictability, and rider confidence across the system. Law enforcement conducted 7,826 bus boardings as part of visible engagement and deterrence efforts. With consistent visible and engaged presence, along with other measures already implemented, such as bus safety riding teams and operator barriers, staff expect to see a decrease in crime per million boardings and a continued decrease in operator assaults.
Monthly operational review identified no abnormal fluctuations in crime on the system, with crime remaining steady compared to the prior month. All public safety personnel - uniformed and care-based - continued their regular deployments across the system. Patrons were more willing to exit trains at the last stop, resulting in a smoother experience for riders as they leave for their destinations.
2. Enhancing Access Control & Station Experience
Access control and station improvements reduce the risk of escalation, improve access control integrity, and predictability for riders and employees. Transit Security officers continued weapons-detection screening and monitored faregates at select stations during peak hours, deterring weapons and fare evasion. Updated protocols and frequent security patrols in the ancillary areas continued to deter unauthorized access, resulting in a cleaner and safer environment (see Attachment A).
Station experience measures create a cleaner, more welcoming environment and encourage appropriate behavior that complies with Metro’s Code of Conduct. The recent removal of former emergency swing gates at Sierra Madre Villa and Douglas stations, which had been a vulnerability to fare evasion, has led to increases in valid TAPs of 50% and 384%, respectively, in the first week after securing those areas. See Attachment B for more details.
These access control and station experience efforts will continue to ensure riders are there solely for transit purposes.
3. Building Partnerships to Address Societal Impacts
Since safety solutions vary by situation, Metro invests in and implements care-based interventions. Ambassadors and Community Intervention Specialists engaged 51,648 individuals, helping riders navigate the system more effectively, connect to essential Metro resources such as reduced fare programs, Bike Lockers, and Metro Micro, and TAP assistance, and be informed of service alerts. Outreach teams engaged 461 individuals experiencing homelessness in February, resulting in 208 interim and 16 permanent housing placements through coordination with regional service providers.
To date, the HOME teams have placed 1,776 individuals in interim or permanent housing, making Metro well-positioned to exceed its FY26 goal of 2,100 housing placements. Outreach teams are deployed in fixed locations at end-of-line stations to provide support and offer services as needed.
IMPLEMENTING METRO’S THREE-PART STRATEGY
Frontline Protection
Any assault on a Metro employee is unacceptable and is addressed with investigative priority. There were 20 assaults on Metro employees and contractors this month. Operator assaults totaled five in February, down from nine in January and seven in February 2025. Four of these incidents occurred while the operator was behind the retrofit safety barrier, with two of those occurring through the driver’s side window. The remaining incident occurred when the operator walked to the back of the bus to investigate possible drug use and was spat on. None of the five incidents required medical transport. Assaults on other frontline staff, including contract security, MTS, and Ambassadors, totaled 15 in February, up from 12 in January but down from 16 in February 2025.
Metro takes assaults on any employees or contractors very seriously, and staff work with local law enforcement to ensure that they receive justice if an assault occurs. Between July 7, 2025, and February 13, 2026, LASD detectives investigated 22 assaults on Metro or contract security officers and 12 assaults on Metro bus operators. Of the 22 assaults on security officers, 21 resulted in either a citation or arrest of the perpetrator. 15 (68%) of the 22 assaults were solved. Nine were filed by prosecutors, four have charges pending, one was declined for prosecution, one is pending lab results before the case can be presented to prosecutors, and six are under investigation. Of the 12 assaults on bus operators, four resulted in either a citation or arrest of the perpetrator. Four assault incidents were solved. Of these four, three were filed by prosecutors, and one perpetrator was placed on psychological hold.
Regarding next steps, staff requested investigation outcomes from the LAPD and are awaiting their data. Assaults often escalated into physical fights when enforcing the Code of Conduct or when requesting that a patron get off a bus or train. MTS Bus Safety Teams patrol the top 10 bus lines with the highest rates of operator assaults, and security personnel are stationed at end-of-line stations when service concludes.
Enforcement and Accountability
Maintaining a visible presence is crucial to enhancing both system safety and perceptions of safety. Enforcement activity during February included 660 arrests, 725 citations, and 5,799 Code of Conduct removals. 43% of removals were for attempted fare evasion.
Law enforcement, MTS, and contract security officers continued patrols on the system with no notable special operations or changes in deployments this month. MTS officers are enforcing the Code of Conduct, which includes fare compliance, and removing individuals who violate Metro’s policies. Weekly activities were shared with DPS but did not warrant any new targeted deployments.
Major Arrests
On February 18, the LAPD arrested three suspects responsible for several E and K line robberies. The officers leveraged technology to quickly identify the suspects from video surveillance footage. The suspects admitted to the crimes and were arrested and booked for the robberies. They are believed to be serial robbery suspects, and these high-impact arrests are expected to have a positive impact on the reduction of serious crimes on the system.
Emergency Preparedness and System Readiness
Scenario-based discussions strengthen Metro’s readiness for any emergency event. Throughout February, DPS organized and conducted multi-agency discussion-based exercises in preparation for real crises and major events. Personnel participated in table-top exercises to test continuity plans, identify gaps, and improve communication.
On February 25, Metro's Emergency Management Department, in partnership with TSA, conducted a multi-agency tabletop exercise to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 116 participants from various agencies collaborated on operational coordination, communication, and scenario discussions to identify gaps and improve readiness for these high-profile Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) 2 series of games. They discussed information sharing, crowd control, emergency response, and transportation logistics to enhance interagency coordination.
Medical Emergencies
Trained staff in first aid has proven critical for medical emergencies on the system. Throughout February, DPS responded to 259 medical emergencies experienced by riders or staff. Narcan reversals in February totaled 28, compared to 19 in January. Overdose incidents fluctuate monthly and reflect broader regional public health conditions. Each reversal reflects trained intervention and rapid-response capability.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
The Metro transit system spans many diverse communities across Los Angeles County. Because Metro serves communities that vary significantly in both economic and ethnic composition, their public safety needs are equally varied and require tailored approaches. Metro continues to take a cross-disciplinary approach to sustain and grow ridership, improve customer experience, and, most importantly, ensure the safety of Metro’s system is equitable across Los Angeles County. The Care-Based Services Division demonstrates the agency’s holistic approach to improving public safety by bringing together all of Metro’s care-centered programs.
Vehicle_Miles_Traveled_Outcome
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED OUTCOME
VMT and VMT per capita in Los Angeles County are lower than national averages, the lowest in the SCAG region, and on the lower end of VMT per capita statewide, with these declining VMT trends due in part to Metro’s significant investment in rail and bus transit.* Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets align with California’s statewide climate goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. To ensure continued progress, all Board items are assessed for their potential impact on VMT.
As part of these ongoing efforts, this item is expected to contribute to further reductions in VMT. This item supports Metro’s systemwide strategy to reduce VMT through operational activities that will improve public safety and customer experience on Metro’s bus and rail system and further encourage transit ridership. Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets were designed to build on the success of existing investments, and this item aligns with those objectives.
*Based on population estimates from the United States Census and VMT estimates from Caltrans’ Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data between 2001-2019.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
The recommendation supports Strategic Plan Goals #2.1: Deliver outstanding trip experiences for all users of the transportation system; Metro is committed to improving security and #5.6: Provide responsive, accountable, and trustworthy governance within the Metro organization; Metro will foster and maintain a strong safety culture.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
DPS will continue to monitor the performance of its law enforcement partners, private security, Transit Security Officers, and Care-Based Services members, as well as the agency’s crime statistics. It also considers information from system operations, surveys, customer complaints, and physical security assessments, amongst other sources, to analyze safety-related issues, adjust deployment strategies, and formulate new interventions.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Ancillary Areas Quarterly Update
Attachment B - Station Experience Updates
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Robert Gummer, Deputy Chief, System Security and Law Enforcement
Officer, (213) 922-4513
Craig Joyce, Senior Executive Officer, Special Programs (213) 418-3008
Stephen Tu, Deputy Executive Officer, Operations, (213) 418-3005
Karen Parks, Senior Director, Special Projects, (213) 922-4612
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: William Scott, Chief of Police and Emergency Management, (213) 922-
5448
Conan Cheung, Chief Operations Officer, (213) 418-3034
