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Members of the City Council in West Hollywood, California are defending a vote to cut law enforcement funding in a surge in crime in Los Angeles.
Several city council members join FoxNews Digital this week, 3-2 votes on monday Public safety is improved by adding funds and personnel for an unarmed security ambassador known as the “block-by-block patrol” for a budget that reduces the number of Los Angeles County Sheriffs’ agents. ..
“There was a lot of debate about public security financing. [is] That’s exactly what we didn’t do. ”
“This increase in public security services is not a reduction,” D’Amico added. “This is a rebalancing of a biased system focused on arrest rather than security. Sheriffs give us more time to fight and tackle crime in our daily lives, and our security ambassadors are us. Helps homeless people and provides support and security at a more personal level. “
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“In my opinion, this is an improvement in safety services, and this fall, on the streets, working directly with residents, sheriffs, legal compliance, social welfare providers, and two agents. 60 people’s eyes are turned on. “
Acting Mayor Sepishine also rejected the idea that having fewer officers armed on the streets meant less security.
“The safety of our residents and businesses has always been a top priority for my colleagues and me,” Shine told Fox News Digital. “On Monday night, we took action to redistribute the Public Security Fund in a way that suits the needs of the community. In fact, we have over 26 new positions and full LASD assistance to the rethought public security team. A reserve has been added. “
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“I’m disappointed to see some members of this council and some of the communities portray this as not,” Shine added.
Lindsey Horvath, the third council member who voted for the new budget, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Mayor Lauren Meister and John Ericsson, two council members who voted against the budget, also explained to Fox News Digital about the vote.
“I all want more foot patrols, but unarmed security ambassadors only supplement sworn police officers and cannot be replaced,” Meister said.
“Most of the residents and businesses I’ve heard are against cutting sheriffs’ budgets,” Meister said earlier this week. “They are outraged that people and organizations from outside our city are instructing Congress how to run our city. We are either sheriffs or social welfare, Or the explanation that you can have either a “sheriff or an unarmed security team” is incorrect.
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Ericsson told Fox News Digital that he voted against the proposal because he was concerned about his ability to hire additional security ambassadors on the budgeted timeline.
“I’m a big proponent of the block-by-block security ambassador program,” Ericsson said, explaining that he supports efforts to “rethink” the security of the West Hollywood community. “But what I didn’t see before me was a timeline that I could support.”
In a statement, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital that it was disappointed with the vote to reduce staff.
“We are disappointed with the reduction of four lawmakers in the coming months as part of the approved city budget, along with the West Hollywood community,” the statement said. “I would like to thank all the residents who opposed this vote and responded. It seems that outside activists were heavier than the residents of West Hollywood.”
Despite the reduction in legal enforcement funds, the council also voted to give an additional $ 14,000 to the Russian Arts Festival, which is worth a total of $ 50,000 in a move criticized on social media.
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Last month, Fox News Digital reported that violent crimes in Los Angeles had increased by 6.7% so far this year, murders had increased by 1.6%, and shootings had increased by 1.5%.
In West Hollywood, LA Magazine reported in March: Crime is increasing by 137% Since last year, the town has built a reputation for being “suffering from pickpockets.”