Torrance OKs Hiring 9 Police Officers : Law enforcement: Council cites increased violence for allocation of funds despite poor economy. Staffing at Del Amo mall will be boosted.

Despite painfully lean economic times, Torrance has decided to hire eight new police officers and a sergeant to boost security in the South Bay’s largest city.

City officials say the allocation, included in the 1993-94 city budget approved unanimously Tuesday by the City Council, reflects the importance Torrance places on public safety.

“We’re living in a more violent society. The need for security is more important than ever,” Mayor Katy Geissert said. “The council feels that the first responsibility of local government is to protect the people, and that’s becoming more and more difficult.”

The new budget includes $830,000 earmarked for hiring the nine law officers and for stepping up patrols in city parks.

The hiring means more officers can be stationed at Del Amo Fashion Center as needed, said Torrance Police Chief Joseph C. De Ladurantey. Security at the mammoth mall in the city’s center has come under scrutiny since March, when mall arcade manager Michael Ellis was slain, apparently after being confronted by a robber.

Despite the boost in police spending, the new $97.8-million operating budget is down nearly 3% from last year. Like other cities in California, Torrance is beset by shrinking revenues, which officials blame on the lagging regional economy, reduced tax revenue and state budget cuts. Planners have had to erase a $5.3-million shortfall.

To close the gap, city officials eliminated 13 vacant city positions, including three firefighters and two secretarial slots, and imposed a range of new fees. For instance, the city will charge local corporations more to evaluate their handling of hazardous materials.

The city also is studying whether to rent space in its city jail to help boost revenues, and plans to use city vehicles longer to reduce replacement costs, City Manager LeRoy J. Jackson said.