LOS ANGELES — The latest data from the Los Angeles Police Department shows there are 8,802 sworn officers in the agency.

Mayor Karen Bass had increased the budget for the LAPD and set a goal of 9,500 sworn officers.

Chief Jim McDonnell said lower morale within the police profession nationally and a lengthy hiring process locally are some of the challenges in recruiting.

He said despite there being more interest in people wanting to become police officers with applications up between 2022 and this year, with offers of increased starting salaries and guaranteed raises, the hurdles in the system and time to get through the process has made hiring a challenge and has caused his agency to lose potential candidates to other departments. 

According to an email from a representative from the Los Angeles Chief Administrative Officer, as of Nov. 2, 2024, the LAPD is projected to end the fiscal year with 8,758 deployed officers.