The Region - News from Nov. 27, 1986

The Los Angeles Police Commission endorsed Chief Daryl F. Gates’ request for 317 additional officers and 198 additional civilian workers as part of the Los Angeles Police Department’s proposed 1987-88 budget. Included in the $446.5-million budget request--a $41.5-million increase over that approved for 1986-87--are $7.4 million to replace 573 police cruisers and 148 motorcycles; $1.5 million to upgrade the department’s helicopter fleet; $1.5 million to replace officers’ aging bullet-proof vests, and $1.3 million for 53 officers to walk foot beats in such areas as Koreatown. Gates has said he eventually hopes to expand the Police Department to 8,500 officers--a 1,500-officer increase over present strength. The proposed budget must first be reviewed by the City Council.