Last Updated on September 16, 2022 by CCAR Staff
Metro Staff with Chief Luna (Click on the Photlarge)
The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) was awarded the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Blue Line security contract in 2017 and began services on July 1, 2017. Since the start of the partnership, the dedication and hard work of the men and women of the LBPD has shown outstanding success in reducing crime and increasing safety on the Blue Line.
In the last year, through ongoing outreach and enforcement efforts, the LBPD has reduced Part 1 crime by 50% and Part 2 crime by 80% within the eight station platforms and trains that fall under the City’s jurisdiction. The presence of officers in and around the platforms has reduced assaults against train operators by 30%, and achieved an average Priority 1 response time of 2.38 minutes. These significant decreases are a direct result of the partnership between the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and the dedication of LBPD personnel.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the men and women of our Department for their outstanding success in reducing crime and disorder on the Blue Line during the first year of our contract,” said Chief of Police Robert Luna. “This is a true testament of the commitment, professionalism of our personnel and the partnerships we have developed with our community.”
The LBPD works with Metro to continue our mission of preventing all crime and acts of terrorism, by having officers continuously ride trains and patrol Blue Line stations from Wardlow Road to the Downtown Long Beach area. To further support the field operations, the LBPD’s 2019 fiscal year budget will add one detective position dedicated to investigating Metro related crimes; and contract two “Quality of Life” officers who will focus their efforts on connecting persons experiencing homelessness to social services and resources.
The LBPD will continue our partnership with Metro, to increase visibility and impact crime to ensure both our community and passengers always feel safe and protected when riding the Blue Line in Long Beach.
For more information about how Part 1 and Part 2 crimes are classified visit: https://www2.fbi.gov/ucr/cius_04/appendices/appendix_02.html
