LA Metro Ramping Up Security

To further enhance safety and security on the transit system, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today announced acquisition of three significant technologies that will be deployed countywide in the coming weeks.

One of the most innovative technologies is LexRay Systems that allows Sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement officials to immediately access real-time imaging from Metro’s extensive system of CCTV cameras to a smartphone. This allows first responders to see inside the bus or train car that is in need of assistance.

“Metro has been investigating practical technologies that can help enhance the safety and security of the riding public and our employees,” said Metro Chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.

To augment CCTV coverage, especially near parking lots at Metro Rail and Orange Line stations, Metro will begin deploying SkyWatch security towers as mobile “eyes in the sky.” SkyWatch towers are elevated and movable systems that use real time and remote video surveillance to multiply remote security presence. Metro received a state grant to purchase four SkyWatch towers and their deployment will begin in late September.

Security kiosks will also be installed in nine subway plazas at high volume rail stations, enabling sheriff’s deputies and other security personnel to access computers and other law enforcement tools where they have not been available beforehand.

These technologies follow only a few months after Metro introduced the installation of polycarbonate barriers on buses to protect operators from assaults, and the deployment of CCTV monitors on buses to help reduce assaults and other crimes on buses.

“Since last March, Metro has been moving forward with the purchase of security barriers and video monitors on all new buses,” said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington. “To those who are inclined to commit crimes on our system: we will be watching you and are ramping up enforcement to catch you.”

Metro will also be increasing its education to the traveling public empowering them to be an extension of Metro’s eyes and ears on the system. Metro already engages riders on its smartphone security application “LA Metro Transit Watch” available for free download for iPhone and Android devices.

The rate of serious crime on Metro’s system is four per one million boardings. On an average workday, Metro has 1.4 million bus and rail boardings. If compared to a comparably sized city, the Metro system would be the safest city in the nation.