Despite growing concerns about safety on subways and stations, one police department plans to remove police presence from public transport early next year.
Los Angeles Metro confirmed in a statement to KTLA that its contract with the Long Beach Police Department will end on December 30th, ending the partnership between the two departments.
“We value our partnership with the Long Beach Police Department, one of three contract law enforcement agencies serving Metro,” the statement reads. “We will continue to work closely with the Long Beach Police Department to ensure the safety of our stations.” We will work with our other law enforcement resources to support our customers. ”
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LA Metro told KTLA that the contract can be extended on a monthly basis, but only through March 2025.
The decision to allow the contract to expire comes as LA Metro works to strengthen its own police force. Metro moved ahead with plans to launch the unit earlier this year, but it is expected to take up to five years for the unit to begin patrolling.
Meanwhile, the Long Beach Police Department said the officers will still be able to respond to incidents and emergencies on L.A. Metro buses, trains and stations after the contract ends, but they will no longer participate in regular patrols.
KTLA reached out to the Long Beach Police Department for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
Alexis Lewis contributed to this report.
