Fernando Dutra, the new chair of the Los Angeles Metro Board, acknowledges the challenges ahead as Metro seeks to hire hundreds of police officers. Dutra, a Whittier City Council member, took over the chair position from L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn last month. He has been on the Metro Board since 2021, and his friends have been sharing their experiences on the Metro system, highlighting both positive aspects and areas for improvement. Dutra encourages riders to report issues using the LA Metro Transit Watch app, promising swift responses.
One of Dutra’s main priorities is to ensure the timely completion of capital projects, such as the soon-to-open A-Line extension. A significant focus for Metro is its new public safety department, which plans to hire about 400 police officers over the next five years. Dutra has met with Chief Bill Scott, who leads the department, and expressed confidence in Scott’s familiarity with the community and local law enforcement agencies.
Recruitment remains a challenge, particularly in a competitive market. Dutra emphasized that Metro’s approach includes focusing on mental health, homelessness, and other services alongside security. He believes this broader focus will attract individuals seeking more than just traditional security roles. Metro aims to be competitive in terms of salary and benefits, drawing inspiration from initiatives like Whittier’s $75,000 home-buying assistance for police officers.
Metro’s safety efforts have shown results, with a 28.9% drop in violent crime per million boardings in May 2025 compared to the previous year. The agency has also implemented safety and security initiatives, including enclosed operator barriers and a weapons detection pilot program. As Metro continues to expand its infrastructure, it remains committed to improving customer experience and preparing for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.
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