Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore reported last week that sworn staffing had fallen to 9,103, down nearly 1,000 from 2019, the year that preceded the outbreak of COVID-19.
Now, recently-elected Democrat Mayor Karen Bass want to ramping up hiring and lift recruitment barriers.
Her proposed budget that will be released Tuesday will call for the city to restore the department to 9,500 officers.
“I know that that is ambitious, but I think it needs to happen.” Bass said Monday.
Compared with four years ago, homicides are up 8% so far in 2023, the number of shooting victims has increased 30% and the number of vehicle thefts are up 47%, according to LAPD figures.