Meeting_Body
OPERATIONS, SAFETY AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
JANUARY 21, 2021
Subject
SUBJECT: PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PSAC) UPDATE
Action
ACTION: RECEIVE AND FILE
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
RECEIVE AND FILE Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) 90-Day Update.
Issue
ISSUE
This report reflects a 90-day update of progress in convening an advisory committee that will provide recommendations on how Metro can reimagine public safety on its system.
Background
BACKGROUND
In the June 2020 Regular Board Meeting, the Board of Directors approved motions 37 and 37.1 for Metro staff to form an advisory committee and, in partnership, develop a community-based approach to public safety on the transit system. Staff is to report back every 90-days.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
System Security and Law Enforcement (SSLE) established an Internal Steering Committee comprising of the Office of the CEO that is inclusive of the Executive Officer for Customer Experience and Executive Officer for Equity and Race, Communications, Office of Civil Rights & Inclusion, and the Office of Inspector General that would work in designing and launching Metro’s first Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC). The following sections outline Metro’s update in convening such a committee.
Application Process
On October 19th, Metro launched its external application process to seek (15) fifteen members and (3) three alternates to join the PSAC. The application period was initially to run from October 19th through November 6th but was extended to November 13th, per Board Director Jackie Dupont-Walker’s request during the September 2020 Regular Board Meeting.
PSAC applications were made available online through the PSAC website (metro.net/PSAC) and for pick-up at Metro’s Customer Centers. Staff also established a dedicated email and phone line to connect with interested applicants. Metro promoted the PSAC application through its social media platforms, sent email blasts to its community networks, and distributed flyers through Transit Security Officers and law enforcement as a way to help bridge community relationships. In addition, Metro staff conducted two information sessions on October 28th and November 5th.
During the four-week application period, we received over 380 applications. We believe that this is emblematic of the public’s support and interest in being a part of this effort. The Internal Steering Committee is currently evaluating the applications and anticipates notifying applicants of their acceptance status in January. The intent is to have a membership with diverse experiences, interests, and demographics. Staff also initiated an internal application process to seek (3) three ex-officio members to serve on the PSAC. The three seats are designated for Metro employees who have experience with public engagement or providing face-to-face customer experience on Metro’s system. We recognize that many of our front-line employees, who regularly interact with the public while performing their jobs, view safety as a top priority. Therefore, we felt it important that they are provided an opportunity to serve on the PSAC to share their experiences and provide input on how we reimagine public safety. The internal application period was from November 4th through December 1st and was advertised agency-wide, with particular emphasis on Metro’s Divisions. A smaller pool of nine applications was received and will be reviewed by the Internal Steering Committee.
As Metro plans to hold its first PSAC meeting in late January or early February, the staff is working closely with the Office of Inspector General to develop a Charter and By-laws and other organizational requirements to establish a Metro committee, consistent with policy.
The following tables reflect demographic data of the external applications received:
|
Age |
Total |
|
16-24 |
15 (4%) |
|
25-39 |
124 (32%) |
|
40-60 |
169 (44%) |
|
60+ |
54 (14%) |
|
None Selected |
24 (6%) |
|
Grand Total |
386 |
|
Sexual Orientation |
Total |
|
Heterosexual or straight |
281 (73%) |
|
Gay or lesbian |
27 (7%) |
|
Bisexual |
13 (3%) |
|
Other |
31 (8%) |
|
None Selected |
34 (9%) |
|
Grand Total |
386 |
|
Housing Status |
Total |
|
Homeowner |
108 (28%) |
|
Renter |
222 (58%) |
|
Unhoused |
2 (0%) |
|
Other |
32 (8%) |
|
None Selected |
22 (6%) |
|
Grand Total |
386 |
|
Gender |
Total |
|
Female |
119 (31%) |
|
Male |
224 (58%) |
|
Non-binary |
7 (2%) |
|
None Selected |
36 (9%) |
|
Grand Total |
386 |
|
In 2019, on average, how often did you ride Metro buses or trains? |
Total |
|
Every day or most days |
191 (49%) |
|
At least once a week |
74 (19%) |
|
At least once a month |
36 (9%) |
|
A few times per year |
37 (10%) |
|
Once a year or less |
11 (3%) |
|
Never |
11 (3%) |
|
None Selected |
26 (7%) |
|
Grand Total |
386 |
|
Ethnicity |
Total |
|
Hispanic/Latinx |
95 (25%) |
|
Black/African American |
89 (23%) |
|
Caucasian |
66 (17%) |
|
Asian/Pacific Islander |
22 (6%) |
|
Native American |
2 (0%) |
|
More than one race |
34 (9%) |
|
Other |
17 (4%) |
|
None selected |
61 (16%) |
|
Grand Total |
386 |
|
Are you a person with a disability(s)? |
Total |
|
No |
292 (76%) |
|
Yes |
50 (13%) |
|
None Selected |
44 (11%) |
|
Grand Total |
386 |
|
Income |
Total |
|
Less than $30,000 |
107 (28%) |
|
$30,000 to $60,000 |
106 (27%) |
|
More than $60,000 |
138 (36%) |
|
None Selected |
35 (9%) |
|
Grand Total |
386 |
External Facilitator
Given the complexity of the conversations around public safety, racial justice, and police reform, staff is seeking an external facilitator experienced in navigating polarized topics in group environments and reaching consensus. Staff began the solicitation process in October and anticipates having the facilitator on board by January. The facilitator will partner with Metro and help facilitate PSAC meetings and develop a schedule of topics to address all the items listed on the motions at a minimum.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Staff will provide its next update to the Board of Directors in April 2021.
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Imelda Hernandez, Chief Administrative Analyst, System Security and Law Enforcement, (213) 922-4848
Reviewed_by
Reviewed by: Bob Green, Chief System Security and Law Enforcement Officer, (213) 922-4811
