Budget gap may mean fewer LAPD civilian jobs

LOS ANGELES City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana said not all of the eliminations would lead to layoffs, as some of the positions may already be vacant.

The proposed cuts are a part of Santana's "2010-2011 Operational Plan" to put the city back in the black.

The president of the police union calls the plan ludicrous.

According to a recent /*LAPD*/ report, at least 237 police officers are spending much of their time doing civilian duties, including data entry and answering phones. This is because the department's civilian workforce has been depleted by budget cuts.

Only the City Council - by a majority vote - has the authority to eliminate positions, and its Budget and Finance Committee will consider the matter on Monday.

City News Service contributed to this report.