Policing on L.A. Subways

Award of the Blue Line policing contract to the Sheriff’s Department was viewed by many as a slap in the Transit Police Department’s face for good reason, but not the reason suspected by The Times in your editorial, “How to Police the L.A. Subway” (Nov. 14). This was no ordinary slap in the face or “unfortunate controversy” as The Times has delicately labeled it. The Transit Police Department was twice rebuffed by the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission (LACTC). It was particularly nasty the way the LACTC reinforced the expectations that the Transit Police Department would be awarded the Blue Line contract.

The Transit Police Department was recently directed to prepare for the Red Line policing contract. Transit Police officers were trained. Hundreds of man-hours were involved. This preparation cost taxpayers money and, once again, built the expectations of the Transit Police officers. Meanwhile, back at the LACTC, the decision as to which agency (LAPD or RTD) should police the line has languished for no good reason. Once again, the same petty politicians and bureaucrats have led the Transit Police Department down the primrose path with promises of a rail contract.

Many persons outside the professional law enforcement loop, including The Times, erroneously believe that Transit Police officers felt “jilted” because a past rail policing contract was awarded to a larger agency. Not true! There’s no question that the law enforcement community views the Transit Police Department as a professional and rapidly expanding agency with a huge and difficult task. The real “unfortunate controversy” is that the responsible body has failed to address the Red Line policing issue. The result is wasted tax dollars and disappointed professionals. Neither would ever have occurred had the LACTC acted responsibly by deciding early on which agency would police the Red Line.

Transit Police officers continue with their commitment to ensure safe ridership aboard the nation’s largest bus system. The officers are cautiously optimistic to learn that the LACTC has promised to help by expanding the Transit Police Department. It is hoped that the LACTC follows through with this promise. If it does, one out of three promises is a welcome start.

LT. JACK A. HERMAN

Southern California Rapid Transit District

Transit Police Department