LOS ANGELES—In a move to address public safety concerns stemming from property crimes and other issues, Los Angeles Police Department divisions on the west side will receive $200,000 to increase patrols, Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky’s office announced Thursday.
On Wednesday, the L.A. City Council approved the councilwoman’s motion to allocate the money for police overtime in her Fifth District. LAPD’s Wilshire Division and West LA Division will receive $90,000 each, and $20,000 will be given to the Pacific Division, which covers a smaller portion of the district.
“This funding is critical for bolstering public safety across the board, especially in light of the challenges posed by LAPD’s staffing shortages,” Yaroslavsky said in a statement. “Whether it’s increasing patrols, ensuring safe streets, or supporting no-camping enforcement efforts near schools and parks, these resources will help us address a wide range of public safety priorities throughout the district.”
Constituents from the Fifth District—encompassing West L.A. neighborhoods like Bel Air, Benedict Canyon, La Brea, Melrose, Palms and others—expressed a need for more LAPD presence, according to Yaroslavsky’s office.
“It will allow us to bolster patrols and provide the resources necessary to address these concerns and help keep our neighborhoods safe,” Leo Daube, spokesman for Yaroslavsky, said in a statement.
He noted that parents and families are concerned about safety when walking their children to school or visiting local parks. The councilwoman supports no-camping laws around sensitive sites like schools and daycare centers, and LAPD officers will enforce anti-camping zones, according to her office.
Additionally, the funding will secure an extra layer of security around religious institutions, Daube noted. Jewish High Holy Days are observed from Oct 2 to 12.
“We want to ensure that their places of worship are protected during this important time,” Daube added.
