The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) has appointed former San Francisco Police Chief William “Bill” Scott as the inaugural head of its in-house police unit, the Transit Community Public Safety Department (TCPSD). This appointment comes at a critical time, as LA Metro seeks to enhance safety amidst rising concerns over violence in its transit system, including a recent incident involving the sexual assault of a woman on a Metro bus.
Scott brings extensive experience to the role, having served nearly 30 years with the Los Angeles Police Department in addition to his leadership in San Francisco, where he was recognized for his crime reduction efforts and the integration of advanced policing technologies. Following his recent retirement from the San Francisco Police Department, Scott expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to lead LA Metro’s safety department, emphasizing the importance of not only responding to incidents but also preventing them. “This department won’t just be about responding to incidents. It’s about preventing them. It’s about ensuring that our riders feel safe and supported,” he stated during a news conference.
LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins expressed confidence in Scott’s capability to establish a new department that is community-oriented and effective, particularly as the city prepares for significant events such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. Under Scott’s prior leadership, the San Francisco Municipal Railway saw notable decreases in crime and fare evasion, which Metro officials hope to replicate in Los Angeles.
In line with Mayor Karen Bass’s vision for a “no-car games” approach during the upcoming Olympics, public safety on transit will be even more critical. Scott plans to adopt community engagement strategies and may implement safety ambassadors, recognizing the need for a balanced approach to public safety that considers both enforcement and community relationships.
Additionally, he highlighted the potential for leveraging new technologies to improve safety measures within the metro system, aiming for LA Metro to “be leading the way” in modern policing practices.
The decision to establish an in-house police force was made by the LA Metro Board of Directors in response to an increase in violent crime reports across the transit network. The new chief safety officer is expected to command a salary ranging from $222,000 to $335,000.
This proactive move by LA Metro and Scott’s appointment reflect a commitment to enhancing rider safety as public transit continues to evolve into a more critical component of urban mobility in Los Angeles.