Bill Scott Named New Chief of LA Metro Police Department

LOS ANGELES – Bill Scott, former police chief of San Francisco, will lead the new in-house police department for the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro). The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon, following his resignation from the San Francisco department after more than eight years of service.

Scott, who served 27 years with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) before taking the San Francisco role, will start in his new position next month. He is tasked with establishing a department that aims to enhance safety across LA Metro’s transit system, which has seen a rise in violent incidents.

Metro officials noted Scott will be responsible for building the Transit Community Public Safety Department (TCPSD) from the ground up. He will play a significant role in safety planning for upcoming global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.

“I believe this is the right role at the right time for the right reason,” Scott said. “This department won’t just be about responding to incidents. It’s about preventing them. It’s about ensuring that our riders feel safe and supported.”

During a news conference, Scott highlighted his achievements in San Francisco, where he reported a nearly 30% decrease in overall crime and the lowest homicide rate in over six decades. Mayor Daniel Lurie praised Scott’s leadership during his tenure in San Francisco and mentioned that Scott would assist in a smooth transition over the next six weeks.

LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins expressed confidence in Scott’s ability to address the challenges faced by the transit agency. “We wanted someone with an understanding of law enforcement, care-based strategies, and transit expertise,” Wiggins noted. “Scott’s experience at the helm of a major police department will be valuable as we prepare for these major events.”

The LA Metro has struggled with rising crime rates, which prompted the decision to create an internal police force. The agency previously relied on multiple law enforcement contracts with regional police entities, including the LAPD and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

As Scott prepares to take on his new role, he spoke about his commitment to community engagement and leveraging technology to enhance safety. He mentioned the importance of balancing enforcement and community relations: “Sometimes enforcement is the answer, sometimes it’s not. I think any effective public safety department has to balance both, and it has to be all about people.”

Scott’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as LA Metro prepares for significant events that will require heightened security and public confidence in transit safety. “Together, we have an opportunity to create something that reflects the values of this region,” he said. “When riders feel safe, they ride.”