Budget Crunch Forces Cuts in Police Programs

Still reeling from budget crises that forced the city to lay off about one-third of its staff earlier this month, Hawthorne police announced Friday that they have reorganized the department and plan to cut several community and special programs.

The department--which lost 53 employees, including 17 police officers--will eliminate its special enforcement team that targeted quality-of-life crimes such as graffiti and vandalism. It will also cut a gang and narcotics team and a unit that focused on ways to cut crime.

In addition, police have issued a new policy on service calls. Misdemeanor crime reports with no leads will no longer be taken, along with non-injury traffic accidents. Officials said the call priorities have been changed to ensure that the downsized organization will be able to handle emergency calls.

The changes are scheduled to go into effect Sunday.