Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Pro Tem and Metro Board Director Hilda L. Solis introducing Chief William Scott (Photo – Office of Hilda Solis)
Metro has named William Scott as the agency’s first Chief of Police and Emergency Management. The announcement was made on Wednesday, May 7, by Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Pro Tem and Metro Board Director Hilda L. Solis.
By News Desk
The appointment marks a significant step in Metro’s ongoing transformation of its public safety strategy. Chair Pro Tem Solis, a vocal advocate for reform, emphasized the agency’s shift from a traditional enforcement-first model to a more holistic, care-centered approach.
“Metro is a lifeline for countless Angelenos,” Solis said in a statement following the announcement. “That’s why I’ve consistently advocated for greater transparency, accountability, and responsiveness across the system, with a focus on addressing the needs of our most vulnerable and at-risk populations.”
Solis praised Metro’s decision to create its own Public Safety Department and highlighted the integration of various supportive services—including Transit Ambassadors, mental health crisis teams, and homeless outreach professionals—into Metro’s safety framework.
“Chief Scott brings a nationally recognized record of public safety reform,” Solis noted, referencing his leadership as Chief of Police in San Francisco. “His leadership has been defined by trust-building, transparency, and a deep understanding of the complex challenges facing modern urban transit systems.”
As Chief of Police and Emergency Management, Scott will lead efforts to enhance safety, reliability, and accessibility across the Metro system, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to a more compassionate and effective approach to public safety.
Solis concluded, “I look forward to working with Chief Scott to strengthen Metro for all riders.”
Chief William Scott (Photo – Office of Hilda Solis)
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