Santa Monica is nearing an agreement with Los Angeles County Metro that would allow local police officers to patrol platforms and other Metro property across the city’s three E Line stations.
The proposed partnership is intended to strengthen the police presence on the transit system and give officers greater authority to respond to safety and quality-of-life concerns where incidents occur.
Santa Monica police patrols on Metro platforms
Santa Monica Police Department officers currently face jurisdictional restrictions at the stations, because the platforms, stairways and other parts of the network are owned and controlled by Metro.
The three stations within Santa Monica are 26th Street/Bergamot, 17th Street/SMC and Downtown Santa Monica. ([santamonica.gov](https://www.santamonica.gov/media/Housing-Element-Update-2021-to-2029/Final%20Draft%206th%20Cycle%20Housing%20EIR.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Under the proposed arrangement, officers would be cleared to ride trains, patrol Metro property and intervene in incidents including disorderly behaviour, fare evasion and other public safety issues.
Councilmember Lana Negrete said local action was needed to address problems ranging from cleanliness and anti-social behaviour to suspected criminal activity. She also said officers would be able to connect people in need with care-based services.
“Technically, the platform, these stairs, that all belongs to Metro,” Ms Negrete told local television news.
Metro already contracts city and county law enforcement agencies to patrol its buses, trains and stations. The authority is also developing its own police department, although that force is not expected to be established for several years.
The agency has separately been introducing security measures across its network, including taller reinforced fare gates designed to deter fare evasion. A TAP-to-Exit system was introduced at Downtown Santa Monica station in 2024 as part of efforts to improve fare compliance and security. ([santamonica.gov](https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2024/08/29/clean-safe-tap-to-exit-program-to-enhance-security-at-downtown-santa-monica-e-line-station?utm_source=openai))
In a statement, the Santa Monica Police Department said the proposed partnership would expand patrols at all three stations, including their platforms, improve co-ordination with Metro and help connect vulnerable people with appropriate services.
Metro said discussions with the city had been productive but that it was too early to release further details. Both organisations said more information would be announced once the agreement and plans for its implementation had been finalised.
