Mayor Abramson is stating that his proposed cuts to the the Police Department budget will not interfere with his pledge to put more officers on the street.
"Police staffing levels will increase over last year's mark and reach the highest point in at least the past five years," said Mayor Abramson.
To offset cuts to LMPD a back-up helicopter will be sold.
"For the most part, we've only used one helicopter anyway," said LMPD Chief Robert White. "It seemed to be a logical thing to give up."
The Mayor is also implementing a new policy for 480 police officers who use take-home cars for off-duty jobs.
"Because of the rise in gas prices, these employees who use taxpayers' cars, taxpayers' gas, and taxpayers' equipment for personal financial gain, will provide a payment of $60 a month for their gasoline reimbursement," explained Mayor Abramson.
"I think that is more than reasonable," said Chief White. "To be honest with you, I would be surprised internally if that is going to be a big issue."
Cuts in overtime were also announced. "Overtime becomes important to make sure the public has the protection they need," said John McGuire, President of the Fraternal Order of Police. "That is something we will watch closely."