New LAPD contract illustrates fine line between city services, budget cuts

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Oct. 30, 2009

The L.A. City Council is on the verge of approving a new contract the with union representing LAPD officers that should save the city some $72 million in the next fiscal year by dramatically cutting overtime costs. The concern is that by cutting overtime hours the effect will be reduced patrol coverage and response time by the LAPD. How will the city continue to walk the fine line of slashing the budget without cutting into vital city services?

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Guests:

Matt Szabo, deputy chief of staff for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

Frank Stoltze, KPCC criminal justice reporter

Larry
3 weeks ago

I thought a large amount of police overtime was associated with being in court to testify not to be on patrol

david
3 weeks ago

Given that there are more than a few police officers who are making 150-300 thousand dollars a year on a 65,000 salary PLUS OVERTIME, does it not make much more sense to either limit overtime or to allow overtime as time off ONLY at a future date, and HIRE MORE 65,000/per year police officers.

It is no secret that officers like drugs, purposely come in and work their 8-hours during the day, knowing that their work is at night, so that they get this overtime EVERYTIME.

FOUL BALL!!! Time to limit overtime just like every other successful entity. Stop wasting taxpayer dollars!

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