Police Department Budget Under Scrutiny Once Again

In correspondence to the City Council several local residents decried the proposed police department budget.

According to the proposed budget, the City Manager is asking the City Council to approve a $105,405 million budget, and 5% increase over last year’s final revised $100 million.

The proposal puts the Police Department in the number two most costly City department, behind Pasadena Water & Power.

The Department received over 100,000 calls for service from citizens in 2022.

The budget covers projected expenses by the department for personnel, services and supplies, internal services charges, and capital outlay for next year.

“I am highly alarmed by the City’s funding allocation for the Pasadena Police Department,” said Rachel Stone, who sits on the Human Relations Commission. “The funding sends a clear message about what the City Council’s priorities are and unfortunately in this case they are clearly misaligned with the needs and priorities of Pasadena residents which continue to be affordable housing and mental health services with the unhoused.”

The police budget has long been a target for some police watchdog activists.

“The proposed Pasadena police budget for 2024 sits at over $105 million — this is a $7 million increase from the adopted 2023 budget,” wrote Liberty McCoy. “I do not believe this reflects the priorities of Pasadena — for instance in the most recent election the choice was made to prioritize housing choices by approving Measure H.”

The Public Safety Committee will hold a workshop on the Police Department budget workshop May 17 at 4 p.m.