Safety in Focus: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies Sweep Downtown Santa Monica Metro Station

Santa Monica, CA - September 20, 2023In a proactive move to bolster safety and security, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies conducted a comprehensive sweep of the Metro train system today, with a special focus on the downtown Santa Monica Station. This operation, undertaken on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, aimed to ensure the welfare of passengers and to uphold public safety standards.
The downtown Santa Monica Station serves as the terminal stop for the Metro line, making it a crucial point for authorities to guarantee that all passengers exit the train upon reaching its final destination. This measure is particularly significant due to reports of some unhoused individuals utilizing the train as a makeshift shelter, remaining on board for extended periods and even sleeping onboard.
Sheriff's Deputies stationed at the downtown Santa Monica Station have taken on a multifaceted role, combining security duties with passenger welfare checks. Their responsibilities include monitoring the trains and platforms, enforcing the code of conduct, tackling fare evasion, and upholding the rule of law to ensure safety and security for all passengers.
The increased law enforcement presence at the station is part of a broader effort to address concerns related to criminal activity, instill a sense of safety among commuters, and ultimately restore confidence in the Metro system. The proactive approach is designed to deter criminal behavior and encourage ridership without fear.
Notably, during the sweep operation, the Transit Services Bureau hosted an event titled 'Coffee with the Sheriff' at the downtown Santa Monica Station. This event provided an opportunity for passengers and community members to engage with law enforcement officers in a relaxed and informal setting, fostering positive interactions and promoting dialogue between authorities and the public.
Authorities are urging passengers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unsafe situations promptly. In the event of an emergency, passengers should dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency security concerns, passengers can reach out to security personnel at 888.950.7233. Additionally, passengers can use the train intercom or station intercoms, marked by red signs on station platforms, to alert Metro staff to any incidents.
The heightened security measures underscore the commitment of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies to ensure a safe and secure travel experience for all Metro passengers, with a renewed focus on the downtown Santa Monica Station as a key point in the transit system. The simultaneous 'Coffee with the Sheriff' event further emphasized the department's dedication to community engagement and public safety.
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Fabian Lewkowicz is an award-winning Santa Monica-based professional photojournalist and press photographer, and the creator of the photo blog, Santa Monica Close Up. With years of experience as a staff photographer for several media outlets including the Santa Monica Daily Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica Observer, and the Santa Monica Corsair, Fabian has captured some of the most iconic moments of Santa Monica.
Fabian's photographs have been exhibited in a variety of settings, including museums, art galleries, hospitals, department stores, banks, fire stations, police stations, commercial buildings, amusement parks, offices, and homes. His photography captures the essence of Santa Monica, from its beautiful landscapes and stunning sunsets to its unique culture and diverse community.
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TAGS: Photojournalism, Photojournalist, Documentary, Cinema Verite, Fly-on-the-wall, Observational Photography, Press Photography
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(C) 2023 Fabian Lewkowicz/Santa Monica Closeup. All Rights Reserved.

[@sbss924]

"Are you filming me", Yes, a public servant in public on public transportation!!! As a daily train rider, I am so happy when I see the sheriffs on the trains and platforms. I let them know I appreciate them so much!!! It makes a huge difference.

[@robertperry5832]

It's different here in Brisbane Australia if don't wake up after the second sir you are given a forceful nudge asked for proof off fair no problem there but in experience nine times out of ten I'm asked for I d where am I coming from and where I'm going to.If you don't give the answer they want they will give you a hard time even removing from the train.We have rights here as well but there are tyrants here also .

[@tamaraflalo1891]

עם מטומטם כמו הנשיא המטומטם שלכם החללית שכחה לקחת אותו רק בושות עושה לכם בוז לעם על הבחירה שבחרתם שתעלמו יחד איתו מהעולם השנואים ביותר בעולם.😢😢😢

[@cbanks5122]

so am I but its also a Sad thing that its gotten this Bad.

[@dinoman4451]

- These patrols are sooo needed here in SM! 👍 👍

[@normanott644]

Criminals should be afraid to ride the train not citizens. WTG

[@BarryWinner2075]

Be careful when you sit on the cloth seats, if they feel wet it might not just be water💩☣

[@sbss924]

THANK YOU so much for filming this. THANK YOU!!

[@billjacobsen9716]

I didn’t know Jimi Hendrix rode the metro.

[@BarryWinner2075]

They could probably wake that guy up real good with a little taser zap.

[@ethanrobertson3008]

Not smart Could have a violent reaction Critical thinking

[@kahlrhoam6769]

Jimi’s really enjoying his fentanyl nap.😅

[@jeffdavis7376]

😂😂

[@muspobear]

LMFAO

[@lazifocker]

Riding metro is a scary experience and it shouldn't be.

[@evolunacy2]

It doesn’t even have to be daily, but how about weekly-just run a pressure washer over the nasty ass platform? No one wants to stand around in sticky filth waiting for the crime train.

[@muspobear]

So true…LMFAO

[@elliotmann9787]

I just got back from Bangkok, and I rode metro trains all over the city. Never once did I see any scum on those trains. Just ordinary people going to work or school for the most part. And a few tourists like me.

[@banjopete]

I wonder why not…..hmmmmmmm.

[@Sam.G79]

​@@banjopeteWhat do you mean, "I wonder why not"?

[@scrahan81]

@@banjopetei’ll tell you why, no blacks

[@Derpherppington]

I didn’t know they have metro in CA. But as soon they got it homeless taking advantage of it

[@andrewiskb24]

Are you filming me ? Hell yeah I am

[@wowplayer160]

Lol people should stay out of that lady's way before she throws a fit

[@EnchantedSmellyWolf]

Never knew Los Angeles promotes anime in town. This is the only town I ever visit in my state but then again I live in peaceful rural zones near San Francisco. 😮

[@dinoman4451]

- LA is all about the Anime's 😁✌

[@billymccoy9155]

San Francisco is empty now. Traffic is worse in Vegas than there, didn't think that was possible.

[@tuandang2947]

Sting operation, with the k9

[@pho3nix-]

I never feel safe around that area, never take the SM metro

[@Agent-cu5pv]

Sheriffs need to have 100 plain cloth officers ride the train after midnight and see how many of them are robbed, assaulted, or even possibly killed riding the Metro!!!!

[@ferniecat]

The train stops around midnight what are you talking about.

[@windcharms0535]

Omgoodnes, this is shocking , I never knew trains was used for a chill lounge section, it goes to show homeless is getting worse only because housing is to high I guess😮

[@tuandang2947]

Fun fact, Santa Monica is one of the richest cities to live in the US. 80% of homeless people here aren't California native. That'd a fact.

[@Scottlane-zg2ur]

Billion's off dollars went to solve this homeless epidemic but I don't see much progress a few tiny homes container turned it to housing but are not being used properly God please make America great again 🇺🇸

[@muspobear]

Amen!!!

[@kahlrhoam6769]

So good to see Deputies patrolling the commuter train! Bring a rifle team & THAT’s how ya clean up the daytime scumbags. Next, SMSD, plz get the Bach parks! THX YOU! 👏

[@CodeResp]

I like the dude who acted like he wasn’t gonna get up. Ain’t chu not surprised

[@banjopete]

I thought it. Might be an overdose….unfortunately not.

[@Derpherppington]

That was dumb af and he looks like an idiot when he pretend it nothing. Like the cops going just turn around and let him sleep

[@JoeKyser]

4:11 of course they are Miss Karen. Have a good day

[@nightfall22]

Whoa, even had a lieutenant out there slanging free Joe. That was a special day I take it

[@user4136_]

DONT TOUCH HIM HE'LL SUE!!!!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Agent-cu5pv]

People sleeping on the train are so out.....if someone(crazy homeless or criminals) puts a gun to their head and squeeze the trigger, they wouldn't even know it.

[@skyloveup]

Kick the dusties off🥾

[@wooster2452]

Just like during the Great Depression, kicking the hobos off the trains.

[@nightfall22]

Out of all the times I’ve seen our brother Fabian filming the LASO it was the first time I’ve seen them roll up with a guy posted with an AR… now, I wish they actually enforced the people not paying their fares… I’m glad they’re there and all but metro needs to enforce rules.

[@rrtnps]

The deputy needs his AR for that station that must be a crazy place??

[@muspobear]

Love The Sheriff’s!!! They Kick A…

[@itzbert]

they all seem to have something in common. i guess this is how they sleep after a good looting

[@sbss924]

Trust me, as a daily train rider, the homeless and mentally ill come in all races.

[@muspobear]

SO TRUE. LMFAO

[@dorseylandria6119]

I'm not fully impressed. Ask for proof of fare l like they used to do

[@calihexo782]

They need to sweep all the goddam trains

[@nerdgirl4721]

No ID No Police Report - Undocumented Police Informants can't ruin your Health Sleep or Life. I carry ID- Ask Me.

[@nerdgirl4721]

Share This Post- Be like famous Hallmark Cards Lady Shake your ID

[@nikolaidisme2072]

nice video

[@RonFilco.9358]

He knew she wasn't putting up with it😂😂

[@RichardChouinard-lg2jm]

They need to go after they close and pressure wash everything 😊

[@MamabearHill-gk6ly]

My heroes ❤️

[@muspobear]

AMEN!!!

[@fabeiontatum205]

I think you got any drink

[@nightfall22]

That woman needs to worry about her train and not getting into the business of the main with the camera… drive your train. If you see the 2 sergeants not caring then maybe you should think there’s nothing illegal or wrong with it. Know the law people

[@kendallevans4079]

LE could sweep every day for eternity and it won't fix anything!

[@indiosveritas]

Sad we've gotten to this point . I doesn't need to continue . Voting has consequences. 🇺🇸🇺🇸TRUMP2024🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@banjopete]

Trump or Biden , Some choice!….by the way it is I don’t need to etc.

[@indiosveritas]

@banjopete Sorry about the typo . I just got so excited about TRUMP , the 2024 revolution, and the NEW RE-START to make America great again ! 🤗

[@muspobear]

TRUMP FOR SURE 2024!!!!!

[@chinaskee1015]

I'm glad I'm not a cop or a sheriff. It has to suck knowing your main qualification for the job is you're bigger than the average person.

[@GHOSTGURUVJ0]

HOW CREEPY SLEEPING THAT MAN MOVING AT IT! XD SEE 2:43SEC.

[@davidwonderland6584]

Yeah, he's crazy... But, more careful when you see that, if they not just be water on him... So,, try backoff from him. But, you decide!

[@johnathandaviddunster38]

Being HOMELESS is a living nightmare whether you're fault or not......

[@cynthiadeary296]

I would need gloves 😮

[@rampar77]

Jut woke up the homeless from downtown L.A. and they will be back in night train. Or just ride train all day.

[@samuelvera9449]

Daily viewer

[@lasportsfan7745]

The Ambassadors can do that and probably a lot cheaper.

[@user-xb4le4og8e]

Glad I don’t live there what a dump and the cops look useless

[@pirul-first-amendment]

That's not fair passenger safety,, what about their rights to travel,, you are profiling the poor,, violating rights of the poor to appease the other people that don't look poor

[@Bugatti-rh1ds]

silly police , baahh.

[@EnchantedSmellyWolf]

Gotta keep out loiterers from occupying all the seats don't you know? Some people need the chair.

[@Bugatti-rh1ds]

@@EnchantedSmellyWolf no, need the gel