LA Metro appoints Bill Scott as first Chief of Transit Police

LA Metro has appointed former San Francisco Police Chief William 'Bill' Scott as the first chief of its new in-house police department, marking a significant transition from contracting outside law enforcement agencies to internal policing. Scott, who previously served 27 years with the LAPD and eight as San Francisco's chief, is recognized for implementing public safety reforms, reducing use-of-force incidents, and improving crime clearance rates. He is tasked with building the department from scratch, including selecting staff, establishing training standards, and deploying technology, in response to ongoing safety concerns and high-profile crimes on the transit system. The decision to create an internal police force aims to address Metro's unique security needs, increase accountability, and potentially reduce costs compared to previous law enforcement contracts, though local sheriff officials have questioned the projected savings. Scott's leadership will be crucial as Metro prepares for global events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, where public transit security will be especially critical. Community input, transparency, and trust-building are emphasized as priorities for the new department.