The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday approved nearly $2.7 million to fund the hiring of an additional 130 Los Angeles Police Department recruits for the remainder of the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Funding Approved Amid Staffing Concerns
The council voted 9-4 to approve the expenditure, drawing funds from existing LAPD accounts. A proposal to transfer some LAPD budget auditors to the City Controller’s Office was also agreed upon for consideration by the Personnel and Hiring Committee. Approximately $416,246 will be allocated to support personnel hiring.
Councilmembers Nithya Raman, Ysabel Jurado, Hugo Soto-Martinez, and Eunisses Hernandez opposed the measure, while Curren Price and Bob Blumenfield were absent during the vote. The decision follows the department already reaching 240 new hires halfway through the fiscal year, building on an initial budget allocation for 240 recruits by both the City Council and Mayor Karen Bass.
Mayor Bass Highlights Critical Need
Mayor Bass stated the additional hiring is “critical” as Los Angeles prepares to host major international events and addresses historically low police staffing levels. She emphasized her commitment to public safety, citing both increased police hiring and the launch of her Office of Community Safety. Bass anticipates the action will allow LAPD to hire approximately 410 recruits this fiscal year, bringing the total force to roughly 8,500 officers.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, Mayor Bass, and several councilmembers have voiced concerns regarding declining sworn personnel due to attrition and competition from other agencies. As of January 13, the department reported 8,711 police officers and 2,505 civilian workers.
The new funding is expected to add approximately $25 million to the city’s deficit in fiscal year 2026-27. City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo identified $3 million within LAPD accounts – from health and wellness programs and general leasing – to cover the costs. A program allowing officers to bank overtime as unpaid time off has generated $4 million in savings, potentially offsetting some of the new expenses.
Concerns Raised Over Long-Term Costs
Councilman Soto-Martinez expressed skepticism about the city’s ability to cover the projected $25 million long-term cost. City Legislative Analyst Sharon Tso cautioned that the council is essentially deciding whether to hire officers now or in the next fiscal year, beginning in July, and recommended adhering to the adopted budget. Soto-Martinez also raised concerns about the potential impact on other city departments and services.
Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez described the funding as “robbing Peter to pay Paul,” while acknowledging the need for broader cost efficiencies across all city departments, including those addressing homelessness. Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky emphasized that the funding clarifies the need to address the costs through departmental offsets or new revenue, avoiding cuts to civilian positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of recruits LAPD is aiming to hire this fiscal year?
With this new funding, LAPD is aiming to hire approximately 410 recruits this fiscal year, bringing the total force to roughly 8,500 officers.
How will the city fund this additional hiring?
The $2.7 million will come from existing LAPD accounts, specifically funds allocated for health and wellness programs and general leasing. A program allowing officers to bank overtime as unpaid time off is also contributing savings.
What concerns were raised regarding the funding?
Councilman Soto-Martinez expressed skepticism about the city’s ability to cover the long-term $25 million cost, while City Legislative Analyst Sharon Tso recommended sticking to the adopted budget.
As the city moves forward, will these measures be enough to address the ongoing challenges of public safety and fiscal responsibility?
