The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners has approved a $2.14 billion budget for the LAPD’s 2025-26 fiscal year. This plan reflects an 8.1% increase, or $160.5 million more, compared to the current budget. The proposal now moves to Mayor Karen Bass and the City Administrative Office for review, with the mayor expected to present the city's full budget in late April 2025.
A Breakdown of the Budget
The spending plan includes several critical areas of investment:
- $145.3 million for salary adjustments, overtime, recruitment, and staffing improvements.
- $45.2 million for replacing police vehicles and acquiring two helicopters to replace aging ones.
- $3.9 million for technology, including upgrades to the Real-Time Crime Center, wireless cameras, and cybersecurity operations.
- $747,252 for security services.
According to Trina Unzicker, commanding officer of the LAPD’s Fiscal Group, the proposed budget is designed to address the department’s expanding responsibilities while staying mindful of the city’s financial challenges. “Every dollar requested aligns with our mission to provide professional, effective, and equitable law enforcement services to all Angelenos,” she said.
Additional Responsibilities and Oversight
Commissioner Rasha Gerges Shields clarified that the budget isn’t just for LAPD operations but also supports the Office of Inspector General and the police commission. Shields highlighted the growing demands placed on the department, particularly in administering the city’s hotel and short-term rental ordinance, which involves processing over 9,000 permits annually.
“These are things, a lot of times, the department is criticized for asking for more and more money,” Shields explained. “But this is a very good example of how more and more responsibilities are thrust upon the department, whether or not they are the right avenue.”
Next Steps
The unanimous approval by the commission marks the first step in a lengthy budget process. The proposal’s fate will depend on review by Mayor Bass and city officials as they balance competing priorities amid a projected citywide deficit through 2028-29.