If 2028 LA Olympics were held today, LA would not be safe, LAPD union warns

Law enforcement leaders in Los Angeles are sounding the alarm, expressing concern about the number of police officers on the streets for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and how the figure could impact safety.

After Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell shared his concerns about police funding for the Olympics, the LAPD officers’ union said the police department is still severely understaff.

Jamie McBride, director of the LAPD Police Union, said the department needs nearly 1,500 more officers to get to a level that may be considered sufficiently staffed.

“Right now, if the Olympics are held today, we’re not safe,” McBride said, warning the staffing crisis could lead to big problems for this summer’s World Cup and 2028 Games.

McBride, a detective with the LAPD, said right now the department has about 8,600 sworn officers. About 10,000 officers are needed everyday to keep the community safe, especially during big events, he said.

“I don’t know we could staff the numbers, make everybody safe that are either attending the Olympics, participating in the Olympics or even citizens of Los Angeles,” McBride said.

He praised LA Mayor Karen Bass for her new budget proposal that calls for the hiring of more than 500 new officers, and the union said she’s worked to speed up the hiring process.

In response to the safety concerns ahead of the Olympics, Bass’ office said she’s been fighting hard to hire more officers.

“When Mayor Bass took office, LAPD was struggling in recruitment and shrinking. She has been the champion for reversing these trends, and because of her work, this year’s budget projects a growth in hiring,” the mayor’s office said in a statement.

LA28, the organizing committee for the LA Olympics, said the Trump Administration and Congress already approved $1 billion for the Game’s security funding and operations.

The Secret Service told NBC Thursday that the Olympics are a national special security event that includes significant resources from the federal government.

Despite incoming federal funding, the city still need more help, LAPD Chief McDonnell said.

“LA28 confirmed that they have zero police or public safety budget, but while they do have a security budget, it doesn’t cover law enforcement,” the chief said during a budget hearing Thursday.

Even if the city gets more funding for LAPD recruitment now, it may be too late: It takes up to two years to have a new officer on the street from the start of the recruiting process to the completion of training,” McBride said.