Despite increased concerns over safety on Metro trains and in stations, one police department will be removing its presence from the public transit system early next year.
In a statement to KTLA, the LA Metro confirmed that its contract with the Long Beach Police Department will end on Dec. 30, ending the partnership between the two agencies.
“We value our partnership with the Long Beach Police Department, one of three contracted law enforcement agencies that provide service to Metro,” the statement reads. “We will continue to work closely with the Long Beach Police Department to ensure the safety of our stations and customers in alignment with our other law enforcement resources.”
LA Metro told KTLA that the contract could be extended on a month-to-month basis, but only until March 2025.
The decision to let the contract expire comes as the LA Metro works to develop its own police force. Earlier this year, the Metro moved forward with plans to start the department, however it’s expected to take as long as five years for the force to start patrols.
In the meantime, Long Beach PD says its officers can still respond to incidents and emergencies on LA Metro buses, trains and stations after the contract expires, but they’ll no longer be part of regular patrols.
KTLA reached out to Long Beach PD for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Alexis Lewis contributed to this report.
