“Like everybody else in law enforcement, we will just adapt accordingly,” says Chief Ramar. “If the gas prices continue the way they are, for next year we will either have to figure out a way to cut back or get more funding on that line-item budget.”
Regardless of how a K-9 unit is stood-up and maintained, it is almost universally accepted that the return on investment is practically immeasurable.
Law enforcement can become involved with individuals with subjects suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia in a variety of circumstances, and further training can help mitigate potential problems.
There exists a real opportunity for thoughtful law enforcement leaders to direct any increase in funds toward building and renovating training facilities that can ultimately lead to those outcomes elected leaders seem to desire.
The increase would take the LAPD's operating budget from $1.761 billion to $1.974 billion. In its proposal to the commission, the department said the increased funding would go to obligatory salaries and expenses, replacement of vehicles and existing electric vehicle leases, continued funding of existing technology and contractual obligations and other requests.
Overtime hours due to staffing shortages has doubled since last year, finance director Robin McPherson told the council. The department also eliminated several units, like some community response teams and those focused on gangs and weapons.
The budget includes several points of major investment for the city, including $400 million for community safety with a $142 million increase in the police budget.
"We have bills going back to September, October, November. For car parts, tires that she has not paid," Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said.
Through the end of May, MPD has used $5.2 million in overtime, with $2.9 million spent during Operation Safety Net surrounding the Derek Chauvin trial.
The Board of Estimate and Apportionment voted 2-1 in favor of the cuts, with Mayor Tishaura Jones and Comptroller Darlene Green supporting the move and Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed opposed.
media brand
The secure and easy all-access connection to your content.
Bookmarked content can then be accessed anytime on all of your logged in devices!
Already a member? Log In