The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has reported a staggering $458 million spent on overtime last year, attributed to high vacancy rates, increased labor costs, and expanded responsibilities. Staffing issues persist as deputy recruitment plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic and has yet to recover, leading to over 1,400 deputy vacancies. Remaining deputies are forced to work extensive overtime, resulting in low morale and operational challenges. Concerns about public safety rise amidst ongoing budget proposals that fail to address these staffing inadequacies.
Sheriff Robert Luna expressed pride in employees' efforts during the staffing crisis, highlighting the immense workload placed on current deputies without adequate support.
Deputy morale is at rock bottom due to all the forced overtime, affecting operations, training, and recruitment amid rising community safety concerns.
With the new budget proposal lacking cost-of-living raises, there's worry that the staffing and overtime situation will deteriorate further.
Oversight officials question if the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department truly requires more deputies given the reduced prison population and growing overtime expenditures.
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