Now it seems that the Bell Police Department is facing a total shutdown. This new scenario is the result of an audit that suggests that the city could save money by dissolving its police department, instead paying Los Angeles for contracted sheriff’s officers.
But this suggestion has more than the police union up in arms. Residents, fearing a depletion in protections, are also nearing their wits end.
Stemming from Bell’s continued financial difficulties, which didn’t end with the ouster of its grossly over-paid former officials, the city is nearly broke. Bell is now facing millions in general fund shortages after having refunded millions in illegal taxes while the city is bracing for its high legal bills.
From the Los Angeles Times:
The already fractured political landscape in scandal-plagued Bell is expected to worsen in the coming months as the city considers slashing spending to stay solvent.
A draft audit by the Los Angeles County auditor-controller found that the city needs to make deep cuts in its budget, including possibly eliminating the Bell Police Department and contracting with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department as one option. Cuts are also possible in other programs.
Read the full article here.