LA Metro Hires Former LAPD and SFPD Chief Bill Scott to Lead New Transit Police Department

New Transit Police Chief Appointed

• 🎯 LA Metro has appointed Bill Scott, a veteran law enforcement officer, to lead its newly established transit police department.
• 💡 Scott, formerly the Chief of the San Francisco Police Department and with 27 years at the LAPD, will build and oversee Metro's police force.
• 🔑 The goal of this new department is to improve safety for the nearly one million daily riders on the LA County transit system.

Building a New Public Safety Department

• 🚀 Scott views this as a "one in a lifetime opportunity" to create a lasting and better public safety program from the ground up.
• 👥 His vision includes hiring nearly 700 police officers to be present on buses and trains, engaging with riders and drivers.
• 🤝 The new department aims to foster a culture of policing that prioritizes rider and driver safety, allowing them to focus on their missions.

Enhancing Accountability and Transparency

• 🏢 By establishing its own public safety department, LA Metro will end contracts with several local police agencies, aiming for greater accountability and transparency.
• ⏳ While it may take over a year for the department to be fully operational, Chief Scott anticipates changes will come quickly.
• ✅ Scott officially resigned from his San Francisco post and will begin his new role in LA on June 23rd.

Preparing for Major Events

• 🌟 With major events like the Super Bowl and the Olympics on the horizon, the new transit police force will be crucial in ensuring public safety.