How to Police the L.A. Subway

Why the LAPD proposal makes the most sense

Work on the first leg of the Red Line subway, 4.4 miles from downtown to Westlake, is ahead of schedule. It might open for business Jan. 11. But the subway’s impending debut could renew an unfortunate controversy over public safety on the region’s new system of subways and trolleys.

That bureaucratic battle began two years ago when Blue Line trolleys began running between downtown and Long Beach. The Southern California Rapid Transit District wanted to use its 198-person transit police force to provide security. But the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission, which controls local transit tax money, chose to contract with the Sheriff’s Department instead. Some RTD officials, and the union representing RTD police, chose to interpret that decision as a slap in the face. The issue could be reopened because the Los Angeles Police Department is preparing to bid for a contract to provide security on the Red Line.

Unpleasantness should be avoided, because the LAPD proposal is eminently sensible. First, the subway is entirely in city territory. It would also give the LAPD, which is desperately seeking money to hire new officers, access to the local transit sales tax--the one government revenue source that is flush--in order to beef up its ranks. Finally, it would reassure subway riders.

In retrospect, putting sheriff’s deputies on the Blue Line was a good call. At a time when many first-time transit riders were worried about crime, it put on both trains and stations an easily recognizable force of uniformed officers that already patrolled neighborhoods along the route. And a single, unified police force is preferable to a proliferation of agencies, uniforms and responsibilities.

That is not to knock RTD’s police. They still have the nation’s biggest bus system to protect, and LACTC officials have promised to help them improve security on buses. That’s a most worthy effort. The point of this massive public works project is to get Angelenos out of automobiles to reduce traffic congestion and smog. But that won’t happen unless all transit riders--on buses, trolleys or subways--know they’re safe.