The Long Beach Police Department is ending its contract with Metro that stops sending officers to trains, the law enforcement agency confirmed Wednesday.
Starting Dec. 30, Long Beach police officers will no longer patrol subway trains as the Long Beach Transit Authority is expected to launch its own police force.
It will likely take about five years for Metro to have a police department, but the Long Beach Police Department is suffering from staffing shortages and may not be able to wait that long.
“This decision was made after careful consideration and analysis of crime statistics, staffing considerations, and contractual obligations,” the Long Beach Police Department said in a statement. “Once the contract ends, LBPD officers will no longer be stationed on trains or stations unless they are dispatched for emergency calls.”
The contract ends on December 30th, but can be extended monthly until March 2025.
Due to the end of its contract with Metro, the Long Beach Police Department has significant vacancies in its patrol division, with nine police officers, two sergeants, One lieutenant will be brought back.・Emergency reporting such as intrusion.
Metro did not respond to a request for comment.
