Karen Bass Urges City Council to Approve $4.4 Million for LAPD Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Mayor Urges $4.4 Million for LAPD

In a letter sent Wednesday night, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has asked the City Council to approve $4.4 million for the LAPD. The request is intended to prevent a hiring freeze. Without the funds, the department would be unable to hold its January academy class. The mayor also urged approval before the week ends.

The request aims to prevent a hiring freeze. A freeze would stop the department from holding its January academy class. It would also impede expansion of the force for the upcoming fiscal year. The mayor stressed the urgency of the funding.

In the letter, Bass warned that without the funds, “It will mean no new cadets in the police academy in January of 2025.” She added that it would mean increasing overtime hours and costs as fewer officers would have greater workloads. The letter also said it would strain officers’ health with longer shifts and more responsibility. These concerns highlight the impact on officer wellbeing.

Bass also noted that the city’s 8,300 officers are the lowest number seen since 1995. She said that such a level makes an effective police department difficult. The figure underscores the need for additional hires. The mayor’s letter reflects this staffing shortfall.

Budget Context and Funding Gap

The letter does not specify where the requested money would come from. This omission has prompted questions about funding sources. The mayor’s office has not identified a specific budget line. The lack of detail may affect council deliberations.

The budget approved in June for the fiscal year ending June 2026 included enough funding for additional officers. The understanding was that the council would look for more money to hire additional officers. The June budget did not allocate the $4.4 million requested. The mayor’s letter seeks to fill that gap.

The Mayor’s Office told NBC4 that the city budget approved six months ago already funded 240 of those spots. These spots were part of the planned expansion. The office emphasized that the new $4.4 million would cover the remaining hires. It highlighted the difference between current funding and the requested amount.

The $4.4 million would be used to hire 170 new officers over the next six months. The hiring would occur in the run‑up to the 2026 World Cup. The city plans to recruit these officers before the event. The funds would also support training and onboarding.

Council Response and Future Hiring

Councilman Tim McOsker said, “I completely agree that public safety is our highest priority.” He added that he agreed with the Mayor six months ago when she originally proposed this saying she would work with Council Leadership to find the money to fund more officers. McOsker noted that six months later, this remains a proposal with no funding identification. He expressed concern over the lack of a clear budget plan.

Some services will be cut and there will be a reduction in uniformed officers as part of the approved budget. The budget closes a $1 billion shortfall. Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, chair of the budget committee, spoke about the matter. She emphasized the need to balance services and staffing.

The LAPD currently has 8,677 officers. Hundreds are expected to leave the department in the coming months, according to LAPD data. This turnover adds to the staffing challenge. The department must replace departing officers to maintain coverage.

As of last week, there were 163 recruits in various stages of police academy training. These recruits represent the next cohort of officers. Their training is essential for future staffing levels. The department relies on them to fill vacancies.

Impact on Police Staffing and City Events

The department received a record number of applicants. The December recruitment class had 56 cadets, according to Bass. The high applicant volume reflects interest in police service. It also indicates the need for adequate hiring resources.

With Los Angeles hosting the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, the LAPD must have enough officers to keep the city and visitors safe. Bass said that the department’s capacity is critical for event security. The city’s role as host amplifies the importance of staffing. The mayor’s funding request is tied to these upcoming events.

Key Takeaways

• Mayor Karen Bass requests $4.4 million to prevent a hiring freeze and expand the LAPD.
• The city budget approved in June did not allocate the requested amount; the source of funds remains unspecified.
• The mayor’s appeal comes amid staffing shortages and upcoming major international events.

The mayor’s appeal highlights a critical funding gap that could affect the city’s ability to maintain public safety. It also impacts the department’s readiness for major international events. The outcome of the council’s decision will shape the LAPD’s staffing levels and operational capacity for the next fiscal year. Stakeholders will watch the council’s vote closely.