The Region - News from Jan. 21, 1987

Los Angeles could have as many as 200 more police officers on the streets as early as next week if the City Council approves a $3.7-million overtime pay plan endorsed by its finance and review committee, according to Assistant Chief Robert L. Vernon, director of Police Department operations. He said the additional overtime pay could be used to pay officers for working extra hours at time-and-a-half on a series of “task force” actions against prostitutes, errant motorists and cruising teen drivers. In addition, he said, the extra money could help fund a special 30-officer squad that would specifically combat the rising incidence of organized drug dealing among street gang members.