After Receiving Crime Victims' Complaints, Councilwoman Schipske Agendizes Item Asking LBPD Chief To Report Publicly On What Add'l Funding Is Needed To Assure Police Have Appropriate Resources

In a release today (Nov. 30), Councilwoman Schipske says she has submitted the agenda item for public Council discussion after receiving "numerous complaints from 5th District residents that they are being told by police that the police don’t have enough resources," coupled with an increase in the number of residential crimes in her Council district and the revelation at a recent Council meeting [reported by LBREPORT.com here] that LBPD needs an additional roughly $1.5 million to cover its anticipated overtime costs for FY13 budget year.

"Just recently, the City Council transferred monies which were designated for shot identification technology for use by the Police Department for overtime. When I asked the Chief what additional monies were needed to meet overtime needs of the Department, she was told in Council by the Chief that the Department needs $1.5 million," Schipske said in her release, noting that FY13 budget proposals for LBPD were submitted [in August 2012] to the Council by the City Manager and the Mayor.

"At no time was the Council told by either party that current budget levels would be insufficient to maintain an adequate police presence in the City or at a level that officers in the field would need to inform residents that they lack sufficient resources," Councilwoman Schipske said in her release.

Councilwoman Schipske also recently asked LB Fire Department management to report on the impact of Council-enacted budget reductions on responses times after receiving reports from firefighters on difficulties in responding to calls for service with less staff and equipment.

"Neither of these situations is acceptable. The City Council needs to hear in a public session what additional funds are needed now to keep this city safe," Councilwoman Schipske said in her release.

Councilwoman Schipske added that funding may be available from increases in both property and sales tax revenue stemming from an improving economy. "The recent court ruling that the County of Los Angeles owes the city money should also be considered a source for public safety. Additionally, as the city sells off properties that were once owned by Redevelopment, we need to designate the revenue from the sales for public safety," she said.