Los Angeles is facing a critical turning point in public safety. Over the past five years, political debates, social pressures, and a growing city budget deficit have reshaped the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) funding. What began in 2020 as a $150 million budget cut has evolved into a larger conversation about the future of policing, community safety, and the role of private security in protecting neighborhoods, businesses, and schools.
For property managers, school administrators, and event organizers, this shift means one thing: police resources are stretched thinner than ever, and the responsibility of day-to-day security is increasingly falling on the private sector. That’s where Aable Security steps in.
The 2020 Budget Cuts: A Turning Point
In June 2020, during the height of the nationwide protests following the murder of George Floyd, the Los Angeles City Council made headlines by voting to cut $150 million from the LAPD’s budget. This decision reduced the department’s budget from about $1.86 billion to $1.71 billion.
At the time, city leaders promised that much of the money would be redirected to youth and community programs in underserved neighborhoods. While this symbolic move gained national attention, it also created practical challenges for the LAPD:
- A hiring freeze pushed sworn officer ranks below 10,000 for the first time in more than a decade.
- Overtime funding was slashed, but the demand for policing did not decline. Officers continued working extra hours, and the city built up tens of millions of dollars in unpaid overtime liabilities.
This marked the beginning of a new reality in Los Angeles: fewer officers available to patrol neighborhoods, monitor retail corridors, and provide the visible presence that deters crime.
2021–2022: Rising Crime and Overtime Debt
By 2021, the cracks in the system became clear. The LAPD owed approximately $47 million in unpaid overtime, creating financial stress on the city. Meanwhile, violent crime — including homicides and robberies — was rising in Los Angeles, partly fueled by the pandemic’s social and economic disruptions.
Business owners, property managers, and community leaders began voicing concerns. Calls to “defund” the police gave way to calls for more safety, especially in downtown Los Angeles and retail districts where storefront vandalism and theft were on the rise.
The result? Portions of the LAPD budget were restored, but the city could not undo the staffing shortages overnight. It would take years to recover the workforce capacity that had been lost.
2023–2024: Balancing Reform and Safety
By 2023, Mayor Karen Bass and city officials were working to balance reform demands with rising public safety concerns. The LAPD budget was gradually rebuilt, but staffing levels hovered around 9,500 to 9,800 officers, still below the city’s needs.
During this period, debates intensified around how Los Angeles should address public safety. On one side, reform advocates called for more funding for mental health crisis response and social services. On the other, business groups and residents demanded a stronger police presence to address homelessness, drug use, retail theft, and violent crime.
For many commercial property managers, schools, and event organizers, one conclusion was clear: they could no longer rely solely on LAPD for daily security needs.
2025: A New Fiscal Crisis
In 2025, Los Angeles is grappling with a $1 billion budget shortfall. Mayor Bass recently unveiled what she called a “very difficult budget,” which includes layoffs, department consolidations, and cuts across multiple city services.
Although public safety remains a priority, the LAPD — which already consumes nearly half of the city’s general fund — is under increasing scrutiny. Hiring freezes, reduced support staff, and delayed investments in training and technology are all on the table.
This means that while sworn officers may not face drastic layoffs, the capacity of the LAPD to handle non-emergency or preventive security work is limited. Police will continue to focus on core emergency response, leaving businesses and schools with gaps in visible deterrence and daily protection.
What This Means for Los Angeles Businesses and Communities
For businesses, property managers, schools, and event organizers, the current landscape presents both challenges and opportunities.
- Reduced Police Presence: With fewer officers available, response times can be longer, and police are prioritizing high-risk emergencies.
- Rising Crime Concerns: From retail theft to vandalism, businesses are under pressure to safeguard their assets and customers.
- Community Perception: Tenants, employees, parents, and event attendees want to feel safe. Visible security is now a deciding factor in where people live, shop, and gather.
This is where private security companies like Aable Security play a vital role.
Aable Security: Protecting Los Angeles Since 1998
For over 25 years, Aable Security has provided trusted unarmed guard services across Los Angeles. We understand the unique challenges of securing communities in times of uncertainty — and we’ve adapted to meet them.
Our services include:
- Commercial Security: Professional unarmed guards for office buildings, shopping centers, and retail stores.
- School Security: Experienced guards trained under BSIS regulations, providing safe environments for students and staff.
- Event Security: Visible and reliable presence for concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings.
- Residential Security: Guards for apartment complexes, gated communities, and homeowner associations.
- Construction Site Security: Protecting valuable equipment and materials from theft and vandalism.
- IP Camera Installation: Advanced camera systems for proactive surveillance, with optional monitoring services.
Unlike police departments bound by budget cycles and politics, Aable Security offers consistent, professional protection tailored to the needs of each client.
Why Choose Aable Security Now
With LAPD facing financial pressure and staffing shortages, there has never been a more important time to invest in reliable private security. Choosing Aable Security means:
- Peace of Mind: Visible, professional guards that deter crime before it happens.
- Community Trust: Building safer environments where residents, employees, and customers feel secure.
- Experience: Licensed and insured in Los Angeles since 1998, with decades of proven service.
- Flexibility: Customized solutions for properties, schools, events, and businesses of all sizes.
Los Angeles has entered a new era of public safety. With police resources stretched thin and budget crises shaping city services, businesses and communities cannot afford to wait for a response — they need proactive protection now.
Aable Security is here to fill the gap.
Call us today at 310-679-8700 for a free security consultation and learn how we can help safeguard what matters most to you.
