Police Panel Backs Bid for U.S. Funds to Expand LAPD

Efforts to place more police officers on Los Angeles streets moved forward Tuesday as the Police Commission endorsed a proposal seeking more than $48 million in federal funding to help pay for 643 new officers.

The proposal, which is expected to be approved by the City Council today and submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice by Monday, is part of the federal COPS Universal Hiring Program.

If the city receives the money, the department’s number of sworn officers would increase to 9,039, police and other city officials said.

“We certainly need it,” said Deirdre Hill, commission president.

The federal money would cover a substantial portion of the $122-million total cost for the new officers over three years, but the city would be responsible for the balance, said Michael F. Thompson, director of criminal justice planning for Mayor Richard Riordan.

Thompson said the grant applications must be postmarked by Monday. A response from the Justice Department is expected by mid-September, he said.

The Clinton Administration last month announced an $18.3-million allocation for computers and civilian staff for the LAPD.

That money, provided under last year’s federal crime bill, is expected to help free officers from desk duties and put more of them back on the streets, officials said.

The $18.3 million will pay for more than 800 laptop computers, 180 civilian workers and a program to reduce the paperwork required of officers.

Deputy Chief David J. Gascon said Tuesday that the latest grant application is one more way for the department to make the best use of all resources.

Public safety is a priority that should not be addressed sporadically, he said.

“Everybody is together in the recognition that we need to grow the Los Angeles Police Department by significant numbers,” Gascon said.

“I’m optimistic that Washington will realize the importance of properly funding this.”