Commuters in Long Beach who rely on public transportation to get around the city are raising safety concerns following the expected contract termination between Long Beach police and Metro.

Despite increased concerns over safety on Metro trains and in stations, one police department will be removing its presence from the public transit system early next year. In a statement to KTLA, the LA Metro confirmed that its contract with the Long Beach Police Department will end on Dec.

In the middle of a staffing crisis, the LBPD is taking officers off Metro trains and reassigning them to regular patrol duties.

The Long Beach Police Department is ending its contract with Metro to stop providing officers to patrol the trains and stations.

Long Beach will not seek a new one, although city officials did say they may agree to extend the current accord on a monthly basis until as late as March 31. When the contract does end, Long Beach officers will continue to respond to emergency calls to Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said the City Council unanimously agreed to the transition in August while city officials worked on budget recommendations.