Sometimes, one doesn’t realize what they have, until it’s gone – for California, public safety was compromised when five LASD police positions were cut last June.
Supporters at the time argued that unarmed security “ambassadors” would increase public safety with more eyes on the street, providing a “rebalance of a lopsided system, focused on arrests instead of safety.”
Since then, West Hollywood has seen a dramatic surge in crimes to residents, including robbery and burglary in 2022. Members quickly rolled back on their initial decision after they were robbed at gunpoint on a busy street at around 9 pm.
On Tuesday night, residents were robbed by a group of suspects in an incident caught on video.
“I think what we saw last night is everyone really expressing their own opinion, their own viewpoints, but at the end of the day, we all came together and compromised and voted accordingly,” Erickson added. “I’m really proud of the city and everyone that serves on that council for sure.”
“I’m thrilled that the Council majority could agree to reinstate several LASD positions,” Council Member Lauren Meister, one of two members to oppose the cuts last year, said in her statement to Fox News Digital.
Meister continued, “I think everyone is seeing what I’ve stated before. The Ambassadors, while they provide beneficial services, are not a replacement for sworn personnel. In addition, I believe Sheriff Luna has had a positive impact on the department, as well as the relationship between the department and the city.”
West Hollywood Mayor Sepi Shyne voted to cut funding last year before voting to restore it this year.
“The safety and well-being of our community is the City of West Hollywood’s top priority. We’re seeing that crime is trending downward in 2023 from 2022 levels,” Shyne said. “We’re deeply committed to continuing that trend and making sure our city is safe. We are continuing to work proactively with our community safety partners.”
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