Madeline Brozen, deputy director of the Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies at UCLA Luskin, spoke to Oaklandside about new legislation that would give transit agencies across the country more flexibility in how they use federal crime prevention funds.

U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon, who represents East Bay cities in Congress, introduced a bill that would permit these funds to be used for “transit support specialists” rather than exclusively law enforcement officers. The unarmed civilian forces collaborate with sworn officers to aid riders, deter and report disruptive behavior, assist with medical emergencies, and handle minor, noncriminal conflicts. Many have a background in social services, with experience in providing referrals to the unhoused.

“Agencies need the flexibility and confidence to use federal funds to pay for this new type of role,” said Brozen, who co-authored a December 2025 study of LA Metro’s transit ambassador program.