Plan for LAPD Expansion Proposed
A plan for the Los Angeles Police Department to take approximately 250 new officers under its wing was unveiled Monday. The plan aims to save the city money by moving employees under the umbrella of General Services into the LAPD.
The officers to be employed currently guard parks, zoos and City Hall. Mayor Villaraigosa hopes to save money and fulfill a campaign promise of having 10,000 officers in the LAPD by putting the plan into action. There are approximately 9,960 officers in the force now.
The LAPD's budget this fiscal year is $1.2 million, and that number is expected to increase by more than $50 million in the next fiscal year. The proposed plan hopes to save the city $220 million.
Some critics are challenging this figure with the claim that LAPD officers receive better retirement packages than General Services employees, and that this would cause the amount saved to be significantly smaller.
The LAPD is conducting its own research on the expansion plan, and city council meetings will bring definite conclusions about its implementation by the end of the month.
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