L.A. COUNTY SHERIFF PATROLS MTA BUSES AND TRAINS
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has become the second largest transit policing agency in the nation. On May 1, 2003, the Sheriff's Department committed to policing the entire Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), operated transit system, within the County of Los Angeles, including service in the City of Los Angeles. The bus and rail transit system serves over one million passengers on a daily average.
According to MTA officials, the three year contract will double the Sheriff's transit policing responsibilities which will represent the largest policing contract in the Sheriff's Department's history.
This expanded contract empowers the Sheriff's Department to increase policing service levels from its current 171 sworn and professional staff, to 437 total personnel. Complimenting our existing patrol of the Metro Blue and Green Lines, the Sheriff's Department will assume policing services for underground Metro Red Line, the Pasadena Metro Gold Line and the extensive Metro Bus system. The Metro Gold Line is scheduled to begin operations this summer.
In addition to uniformed deputies, new programs such as the Sheriff's Civilian Fare Inspectors will provide service on the Metro Red Line and the Pasadena Metro Gold Line. We also anticipate expanding the existing Sheriff's Transit Oriented Policing services, which would include a Special Problems Unit, Anti-graffiti Details, Terrorist Threat Assessment Teams, and a Crisis Response Unit. The Sheriff's Transit Oriented Policing services will augment the current Detective Unit, and support existing programs such as the Team Leaders, Surveillance Teams, Motorcycle Detail, and Bicycle Patrol Teams.
Our Administrative operations will continue to utilize successful safety educational programs such as "Operation Lifesaver," and our Reserve deputies and volunteer programs to enhance the overall safe environment for commuters.
Persons desiring MTA/Sheriff's transit policing services anywhere within the county can call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Transit Services Bureau dispatch center 24 hours a day at (323) 563-5000. For bus or rail travel information, interested persons should call 1-800-COMMUTE or visit the MTA commuter information website at http://www.mta.net
SHB-34A-03
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May 2, 2003