LAPD Chief Warns About Layoffs

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck on Thursday warned that police officers will be in danger of layoffs unless the city proceeds with a half-cent sales tax hike planned for the March 5 ballot.

Speaking to The Times' editorial board, Beck complained that he is already unable to hire 911 operators, custody officers and mechanics to repair squad cars. And he warned that the LAPD would probably lose 500 officers without the more than $200 million expected from a sales tax increase.

Beck said 300 would be reduced by halting hiring and another 200 could disappear as a result of layoffs. “That’s 500 cops. And that is a huge impact," said Beck, appearing with City Council President Herb Wesson, who proposed the tax hike last week.

Read the full Los Angeles Times story.