This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Bags Now Being Searched at Random in Metro Subway Stations
UPDATE: Click here for the outcome of today's bag search
This program started nine months ago, but depending on your route, daily riders may have never seen this. Via federal funding for train security, LA County Sheriff Deputies are teaming up with the Department of Homeland Security for a program to randomly check your bags. "Basically, [DHS] realized trains are neglected," in terms of security, explained Sgt. Leo Bauer of the Sheriff's Department over the phone. When the program first began, checkpoints like this were very infrequent, but now the program is up and running a little more consistently, around four times a week at random times at random subway stations. But don't worry about standing in long security line like at the airport. "If we did every person, we'd be shutting down the rail system," Bauer said pointing out that the bag checks are random.
The NYPD starting doing this on their own in 2005 causing people to have concern that they would racially profile commuters. This program is under DHS' Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and so far, we haven't seen any of those officers in their bright blue outfits and latex gloves.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
