For Immediate Release

Contact:
Jude Schneider (310) 497-7312 or
Eric Rose (805) 624-0572

Los Angeles, December 24, 2008 – Concerned that state budget cuts could have a disastrous effect on public safety in California; the Los Angeles Police Protective League sent a letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and leaders of the California State Legislature reiterating the importance of adequate funding for law enforcement.

The letter, signed by LAPPL President Paul M. Weber, says in part, “We understand that the state budget is going to be heavily impacted going forward, but if we don’t make public safety our first priority we will be creating even more misery for our state’s residents. Experience has taught us that in down economic times crime goes up. We need to have the manpower and the budgets to increase rather than decrease our presence in California’s communities at this tense and scary time.”

The letter goes on to remind the governor and congressional leaders that local law enforcement has over 15,000 unfilled law enforcement jobs in the state of California, and that it is crucial for public safety that California’s law enforcement agencies remain competitive.

Weber concludes, “We recognize that the state has a financial problem, but it's unconscionable to solve it by shifting the deficit to local budgets. We urge you to continue to make public safety funding a priority.”

Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor, State of California
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, California 95814

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:

We are writing to express our deepest concerns about the public safety implications of the State of California’s proposed budget revision.

We understand that the state budget is going to be heavily impacted going forward, but if we don’t make public safety our first priority, we will be creating even more misery for our state’s residents. Experience has taught us that in down economic times crime goes up. We need to have the manpower and the budgets to increase rather than decrease our presence in California’s communities at this tense and scary time.

This year, local law enforcement has over 15,000 unfilled law enforcement jobs in the State of California. We cannot cut our police forces any further without endangering public safety.

While we support responsible efforts to address the budget shortfall, we oppose another round of devastating cuts to local law enforcement. Even when fully funded, local law enforcement assistance amounts to less than one percent of the state budget. Cutting law enforcement funding further would have a small impact on the budget, but a huge detrimental impact on public safety.

Please do not enact cuts that will disproportionately affect law enforcement at a time when we are asked to do more with less. We believe there are better solutions to be found and look forward to working with you in their presentation.

We recognize that the state has a financial problem, but it's unconscionable to solve it by shifting the deficit to local budgets. We urge you to continue to make public safety funding a priority.

Very truly yours,

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Los Angeles Police Protective League

PAUL M. WEBER
President

PMW:lab

cc:
         Karen Bass, Speaker
         Dave Cogdill, Senator
         Darrell Steinberg, Senator
         Mike Villines, Assemblymember
         Steve Cooley, Los Angeles County District Attorney
         Rocky Delgadillo, Los Angeles City Attorney
         Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor, City of Los Angeles
         Laura Chick, Los Angeles City Controller
         Los Angeles City Councilmembers
         William J. Bratton, Chief of Police

About the LAPPL: Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,000 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com