SEIU 721 Members from LA DOT Met with LAPD for Traffic Officer Safety Meeting – Here’s What Happened

We have an important update on a recent meeting between SEIU 721 members from the LADOT and the LAPD regarding Safety, Training, and Coordination. It followed weeks of signature gatherings demanding that the City of Los Angeles address Traffic Officer safety concerns. The LAPD was quick to respond to our union’s request.

At the meeting, Traffic Officers made presentations on these four areas.

***

#1 – ENSURE FASTER LAPD RESPONSE

Traffic Officers want emergency lights with Help Calls – and we also want to establish a formal policy to ensure a faster response. In the meeting, the LAPD gave us their commitment for improved response and for their Operations staff to work with LADOT Communications so that the language of both agencies mirrors each other in order to help with faster response. 

#2 – IMPROVED COORDINATION BETWEEN THE LADOT AND THE LAPD

Traffic Officers requested a designated LADOT BPETC liaison to the LAPD, and to have mandatory monthly coordination meetings between both agencies. Traffic Officers made it clear that they need to be part of the improved communication and to have liaison roles since Traffic Officers are the ones out on the street each day.

#3 – OFFICER COMMUNICATIONS AND CALL HANDLING

Traffic Officers requested proper communication protocols and training. We also asked for assurance that Help Calls will be properly placed – and that radio calls will be triaged quickly and effectively.

#4 – FACILITY SECURITY AND SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT

We made clear that Traffic Officers are entitled to a safe working environment.

***

The meeting was a gigantic step in the right direction. Traffic Officers felt heard – and while there is more work to be done in the weeks and months ahead to continue advocating for Traffic Officer safety, we already are starting to see some results because of our advocacy and efforts to build collaboration with LAPD. For example: There is now LAPD Patrol near the Southern Area office to clear out criminal elements around the location as well as improved LAPD response.

The LAPD also agreed to meet with us again in 90 days. So, our union will have more updates for everyone as we make progress on our concerns. Together, we win!