HAHN FOR MAYOR
18553 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana, CA 91356

HAHN ANNOUNCES POLICE RECRUITMENT PLAN

"Law enforcement ranks across the state have been dwindling due to a good job market and decreased interest in law enforcement as a career," said Hahn. "We have to invest in creative and focused recruitment to sustain a trusted force of law enforcement professionals."

The LAPD estimates that its ranks have fallen from over 9,300 sworn officers to 8,900 during the last year. However, due to rapid attrition at the LAPD, the actual number of sworn officers on the beat today is unclear. The LAPD’s budget currently includes funding for a force of approximately 9,800 sworn officers. In addition to filling the current vacancies at the LAPD, Hahn has called for hiring 1,000 police officers as part of his plan to increase public safety.

To recruit officers, Hahn’s plan calls for:

· Reforming the LAPD’s hiring process to make it more timely and efficient; fully staffing the LAPD’s Recruitment Department.

· Sending officers to area high schools to engage in classroom activities designed to promote careers in law enforcement as a career and encourage interaction between the community and police officers.

· Working with the LAPD’s Media Department and local media professionals to develop public service announcements to promote careers in law enforcement.

· Establishing a pilot scholarship program including offering 100 no-interest loans of $10,000 to college students who agree to serve in the LAPD after graduation.

Hahn also announced proposals to improve retention at LAPD, including reforming the disciplinary system to raise officer morale, implementing a compressed work schedule, making LAPD pension benefits competitive with other police departments, increasing longevity pay, and investing in professional development and training for officers.