Metro - File #: 2026-0814

• File #: 2026-0814
• Type: Motion / Motion Response
• Status: Agenda Ready
• File created: 10/22/2026
• In control: Board of Directors - Regular Board Meeting
• On agenda: 10/22/2026
• Title: APPROVE Motion by Hahn, Solis, and Sandoval that the Board direct the CEO to: Complete an initial assessment by September 2027 to determine how many sworn officers Metro needs as it transitions to its own Public Safety Department. The assessment shall consider: Investments in safety infrastructure, technology, fare enforcement, and programs such as Ambassadors, Crisis Response Teams, HOME Teams, and Community Intervention Specialists; Infrastructure and programs at stops and stations, crime and incident data, response times, and other relevant factors; and Return to the Board with the assessment findings and any recommended changes to the current plan to replace sworn officers on a one-to-one basis, based on demonstrated public safety needs, program effectiveness, and fiscal responsibility. Following completion of the transition, the CEO shall consult with the Board and recommend a schedule for future assessments, as needed.
• Sponsors: Board of Directors - Regular Board Meeting
• Related files: 2026-0813, 2026-0639

Meeting_Body
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
OCTOBER 22, 2026

Preamble
Motion by:

HAHN, SOLIS, AND SANDOVAL

Evaluate Sworn Officer Staffing Needs for Metro’s Department of Public Safety Motion

Related to Item 29: Department of Public Safety Implementation Plan Update

As Metro transitions to its own Public Safety Department, the Board previously approved a one-to-one replacement of sworn officers, based on an estimated staffing level of approximately 632 sworn officers. This approach was used to assess the anticipated cost of bringing police services in-house by replacing existing sworn officers from the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and Long Beach Police Department.

Since the creation of Metro’s Department of Public Safety, Metro has made significant investments in safety infrastructure, technology, and alternative safety strategies, including taller fare gates, tap-to-exit technology, fare enforcement, and the expansion of the Metro Ambassador program. These investments, along with evolving public safety strategies and operational needs, warrant a reassessment of the number of sworn officers necessary to maintain a safe system for riders and employees.

As Metro faces significant fiscal challenges and a looming fiscal cliff, it is critical to ensure that available resources are allocated strategically across public safety, state of good repair, and other essential capital infrastructure investments. The previously approved one-to-one replacement approach should not be treated as a permanent staffing mandate. Rather, Metro should regularly evaluate whether its investments in infrastructure, technology, and other safety programs can safely and effectively meet public safety needs with fewer sworn officers, where supported by data and operational analysis.

Subject
SUBJECT: EVALUATE SWORN OFFICER STAFFING NEEDS FOR METRO’S DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY MOTION

Heading
RECOMMENDATION

Title
APPROVE Motion by Hahn, Solis, an...