• Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore reported last week that sworn staffing had fallen to 9,103, down nearly 1,000 from 2019, the year that preceded the outbreak of COVID-19.
• Now, recently-elected Democrat Mayor Karen Bass want to ramping up hiring and lift recruitment barriers.
• Her proposed budget that will be released Tuesday will call for the city to restore the department to 9,500 officers.
• “I know that that is ambitious, but I think it needs to happen.” Bass said Monday.
• Compared with four years ago, homicides are up 8%  so far in 2023, the number of shooting victims has increased 30% and the number of vehicle thefts are up 47%, according to LAPD figures.

Tagged: Crime Blotter