Real Solutions

Dear Residents of Los Angeles and District 1,

Public safety is the foundation of every thriving community. Without safe streets, strong neighborhoods, and reliable emergency response, nothing else in our city can function the way it should. That is why I am committed to supporting the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department—individuals who put on a uniform every day to protect our families, our businesses, and our quality of life.

For years, Los Angeles has faced a growing challenge: too few officers responding to too many calls. LAPD staffing has fallen to levels not seen in decades, even as our population and emergency‑response demands have increased. Residents feel the impact—longer response times, fewer patrol units, and a strain on the officers who remain.

Supporting our police is not about politics. It is about public safety, accountability, and ensuring that every Angeleno—regardless of neighborhood, income, or background—can feel secure in their own community.

The officers who serve our city deserve the resources, staffing, and support necessary to do their jobs effectively and safely. They run toward danger when others run away. They respond to emergencies at all hours. They protect our schools, our seniors, our small businesses, and our neighborhoods. Their work is difficult, often thankless, and essential.

That is why I support a clear, achievable goal: building the LAPD to 14,000 officers. This is not just a number—it is a commitment to restoring the level of public safety Los Angeles needs and deserves. With proper staffing, we can:

• Reduce response times for emergencies
• Increase neighborhood patrols and visibility
• Strengthen community‑police partnerships
• Improve officer training, wellness, and accountability
• Support specialized units that address violent crime
• Ensure officers have the backup and resources they need to stay safe

A fully staffed department also allows officers to spend more time building relationships with the communities they serve—something that is impossible when they are stretched thin and constantly racing from call to call.

Supporting our police does not mean ignoring the need for transparency, accountability, or reform. It means recognizing that a safer Los Angeles requires both strong community trust and a strong police force. These goals are not in conflict—they depend on each other.

As your representative, I will work to ensure that LAPD has the staffing, training, and resources necessary to protect our neighborhoods while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and respect. I will also advocate programs that strengthen trust between officers and the communities they serve, because safety and unity must go hand in hand.

Los Angeles deserves a future where families feel safe walking to school, where seniors feel secure in their homes, and where businesses can thrive without fear of theft, gangs and assault. Supporting the dedicated men and women of the LAPD—and building toward a 14,000‑officer department—is a critical step toward that future and it won’t happen overnight.

Together, we can restore safety, dignity, and confidence in our city when making the right choices.

Sincerely,

Joseph Lucey

Candidate for Los Angeles City Council, District 1