Posted on 02/02/2026
ONE BIG THING: LAPD PATROL PLANS
What Happened?
At this week’s Public Safety Committee meeting, we heard from officials that LAPD’s patrol plans are based on studies from 1988 and 1998 – meaning we haven’t implemented a comprehensive review in nearly three decades.
Why it matters
LAPD has two key frameworks to determine how resources are deployed throughout the city:
The Basic Car Plan sets minimum staffing levels by shift and determines how resources are distributed across the city. The study that this plan is based on is from 1998.
The Patrol Plan accounts for real-world factors like staffing levels, crime trends, and major events that require extra security. While this plan is generally updated quarterly, the overall framework and methodology from the Patrol Plan come from an outside consultant study conducted in 1988.
The plans that guide public safety strategy in Los Angeles are from an entirely different era: WiFi didn’t exist. GPS devices weren’t in cars. And importantly, aggressive policing tactics were the norm in this city and across the country.
So why haven’t we taken a comprehensive look at these plans in three decades?
In 2018, the City paid for an outside consultant to conduct a study to modernize the Basic Car Plan, but the department scrapped the updates after the COVID pandemic and George Floyd uprising.
Now, LAPD claims that the 2018 study is outdated — and says it needs additional funding, on top of its existing $3.3 billion budget, to start over.
Until that happens, Los Angeles’ public safety strategy will remain frozen in 1998.
What's Next?
If we want a system of public safety that actually works for our residents, we need to make sure that this department – which takes up nearly half our city’s budget – is run efficiently and effectively.
With conversations around the city budget growing louder, the Unarmed Model of Crisis Response redirecting more non-violent calls from LAPD, and the public demanding more accountability — we have an opportunity to spend our limited resources more wisely to make our city safer.
Three More Quick Hits!
1. Neighborhood Food Drive LA – Food Pickup
Neighbors right here in District 13 are coming together for a citywide food donation drive. The idea is simple: on Saturday, February 14, just leave food out on your porch or curb, and volunteers will be out across the city collecting donations and delivering them to local organizations helping families who are struggling because of the immigration raids.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives without too heavy of a lift. Sign up here to donate food!
2. Can Trump Rig the 2030 Census?
California is currently projected to lose four Congressional seats after the 2030 Census — and that number could grow as Trump escalates attacks on immigrant communities.
The Constitution allocates Congressional seats based on overall population, but mass deportations and militarized attacks within communities can drive people into hiding, leading to an undercount.
This is a threat to our constitutional rights and political power. So this week, we introduced a motion instructing the City to begin preparations for the 2030 Census so we can ensure an accurate count.
3. Free Tax Prep!
Tax season is here! But there’s no need to worry. For the 10th year, the Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD) is offering FREE tax prep and filing services through their Free Tax Prep LA program.
If you make under $69,000/year, you qualify for a 100% free appointment with trained tax professionals.
You can claim up to $10,000 in Cash Back refunds through credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and others. Many people have already used this service with the City, and have claimed an average return of $2,500.
CD13 Pet of the Week!
Meet Stella, our pet of the week!
This beautiful American Pitbull Terrier is more than just a pretty face and perfect smile. She’s playful, well-trained, and knows all her angles. She’s Barbie – and we’re just Kens.
And yes…on Wednesdays she wears pink💅
Stella is currently in foster care. If you’d like to adopt her, make sure to email ani.foster@lacity.org
