LAPD to get $16.3 million in federal stimulus funds

By Rick Orlov, Daily News Staff Writer
Updated: 07/28/2009 04:21:03 PM PDT

Los Angeles will get $16.3 million in federal funds to hire 50 police officers and boost the size of the Los Angeles Police Department to more than 10,000 officers, officials announced Tuesday.

The three-year federal program revives one started under former President Bill Clinton designed to reduce crime nationwide and create jobs. The grants cover the salaries and benefits and associated costs for the officers for three years.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who campaigned aggressively for President Obama’s election and has made a number of lobbying trips to Washington, welcomed the money.

“The city of Los Angeles is grateful for the federal goverment’s support in our efforts to grow the Los Angeles Police Department,” Villaraigosa said.

The city has pushed an aggressive expansion of the LAPD, which now stands at 9,996 officers, but had to scale back its plans this year because of the financial crisis. The city reduced its hiring to replace only the 700 officers expected to leave this year.

Vice President Joe Biden, in remarks released by the U.S. Department of Justice, said a big part of the federal recovery act is building communities by making them safer.

“We can’t achieve the goal of stronger communities without supporting those who keep our streets safe,” Biden said.

Attorney General Eric Holdern said 1,046 law enforcement agencies are receiving funding to hire more than 4,600 officers under the program. It will pay full salaries for three years, with the cities required to provide a full fourth year of funding.

Los Angeles did better than many other major cities, including New York City and Washington, D.C., which received no funding.

“These funds are focused on officers who will be on the streets, in our neighborhoods and on the front lines of our fight to keep the American people safe,” Holder said.

California did well under the program, receiving funding for 190 positions around the state. The city of San Fernando is receiving nearly $675,000 for two positions.

Related stories:

1. Family to Sue LAPD for $10 million KTLA News – Los Angeles...
2. Funds for gang prevention may be available for local Jr. highs Denise Madrid (THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER)...
3. Parks Seeks $9 Million to Fix LAPD Corruption Sunday, February 6, 2000 Police:...
4. Federal officials arrive in Calif. for LAPD corruption inquiry Updated March 13, 2000, 11:20...
5. LAPD detective accused of embezzling witness protection funds Police say he took more...
6. Mayor Villaraigosa, LAPD Announce Sweeping Crackdown On Violent Street Gang from LA Mayor’s Office September...
7. Funds flow to gang task force By Mara Stine The Gresham...
8. Police agencies get funds to support gang center Nathan Gonzalez (The Arizona Republic)...
9. L.A. officials clear the way for LAPD to hire more DNA analysts By Joel Rubin (LA Times)...
10. City’s public safety workers may be switched to LAPD By Maeve Reston and Andrew...

Posted by StreetGangs.Com Staff on Jul 29 2009. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry