June 4, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Metro Security Inspectors Replaced by Automation

More than 100 roving security inspectors supplied by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are no longer working on Metro rail systems, with their duties being performed by Metro personnel instead, it was reported Friday.

The security assistants — who stood on light-rail platforms and boarded train cars in order to weed out fare-evaders throughout Metro’s rail system — were cut out of a contract for Metro rail and bus policing services and were no longer performing fare enforcement as of Jan. 1, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported.

A temporary two-month contract approved in late December after the old one expired runs through Feb. 28 at a cost of $18.7 million.

The contract continues all regular patrols of the sheriff’s Transit Services Bureau on Metro trains, stations, platforms and buses, with 290 sworn sheriff deputies assigned per day — minus the 106 security assistants, who mostly checked to see if riders paid their way after the fact, said Capt. Rick Mouwen.

“That function will now revert back to Metro,” Mouwen said. “Metro is doing the fare enforcement.” Mouwen said, adding the transit security personnel will be absorbed into other non-peace officer jobs within the sheriff’s department.

From as far back as 2003, security inspectors would enforce what was mainly an honor system on subways and light-rails, such as the Red Line, Gold Line, Blue Line and Green Line.

Recently, they began using palm-sized card-reading devices to check if a passenger’s TAP card had been swiped. If not, the inspectors had the power to write citations of $75 for fare evasion and up to $250, said Metro spokesman Dave Sotero.

They were equipped with walkie-talkie-type radios attached to their bodies to call for backup in order to make arrests or report suspicious activities, Sotero said.

“Metro no longer wanted them for this enforcement,” Mouwen said.

Mouwen said LASD and Metro were in continuing negotiations over the structure of a long-term policing contract, which would cost Metro about $112 million annually.

In December, the Metro staff proposed using Los Angeles Police Department and Long Beach Police Department officers on lines running in those cities, while reducing the deputies’ presence on other lines.

The so-called “multi-agency approach” would be a major departure from the exclusive use of the LASD since 2003.

The Metro Board of Directors is scheduled to take up the issue of a new transit policing contract at its Feb. 23 board meeting at its headquarters in downtown Los Angeles.

metro train

Related Posts

(Video) Some of the Damage Caused By Vandals at Malibu High School Overnight

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

40 to 50 people, who are suspected to be students or recent alumni, used eggs, flour, and markers to deface...

Biggest Night of the Year: Don’t Miss GMCLA’s ‘Dancing Queens’

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Culminating its 46th season, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles will grace the crowd with Dancing Queens, celebrating iconic...

Driver Arrested for Suspected DUI After Rollover Crash in West Los Angeles

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

One Person Hospitalized, Light Pole Smashed After Late-Night Collision One driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI, and another person...

Pluto TV and Oscar-Winning Director Sean Baker Team Up to Host Free Weekend Screenings

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Popcorn Challenge Interactive Event Set for Westfield Century City Mall  The historic Gardena Cinema, one of the last single-screen, family-operated...

Former ‘Real Housewives’ Husband Sentenced to Over 7 Years for $15 Million Client Fraud 

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Federal Judge Rejects Plea for Medical Placement, Orders Restitution and Prison Time Disgraced former attorney Tom Girardi was sentenced Tuesday...

Malibu High Targeted in Overnight Vandalism Spree; Investigation Underway

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Destruction on Campus Prompts Sheriff’s Probe; Students May Face Charges Vandals caused extensive damage to the school property of Malibu...

A Season of Gratitude: After One Year in Business, Urban Jungle Continues Making its Mark

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Over the last year, Urban Jungle, an indoor and tropical plants nursery, has continued its mission to cultivate a place...

The soul’s greatest hits

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

From ‘Ave Maria’ to ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ and ‘Ode to Joy,” a Santa Monica concert raising funds to help fire victims...

LAPD Increases Security at Jewish Sites Following Colorado Flamethrower Attack

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Officials Ramp Up Patrols and Plan Emergency Response as Shavuot Concludes. Security outside Jewish institutions in Los Angeles has been...

The Peabody Awards Celebrate Bold Storytelling and Social Impact at Beverly Hills Gala

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Honorees Including Baby Reindeer, Shōgun, and The Only Doctor at In-Person Ceremony The Peabody Awards held their awards ceremony Sunday...

Chamber Music Palisades Presents an Afternoon of Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, and More

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Brentwood Hosts Free Classical Concert with LA Philharmonic Greats Chamber Music Palisades will present a free community concert on Saturday,...

Massive Fire Engulfs Auto Shop, Shuts Down 10 Freeway Eastbound Lanes

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Explosions, Thick Smoke, and Downed Power Lines Disrupt Traffic in Palms A fast-moving fire broke out Sunday behind a commercial...

Culver City to Frame Iconic Tree with Landmark Sculpture by Charles Gaines

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Acclaimed Conceptual Artist’s Public Artwork Enters Final Phase Culver City is moving forward with the final phase of an ambitious...

Alpine Floor & Home: A Legacy of Quality Since 1968

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Founded in 1968 with a single location, Alpine Floor & Home began as a humble family business with a clear...

Actress Cameron Diaz Slashes Price on Beverly Crest Estate to $16.5 Million

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Modern Farmhouse in Beverly Crest Returns to Market with Lower Price Tag Cameron Diaz has reduced the asking price of...