LAPD projects $1.15 billion in security costs for 2028 Olympics, memo shows

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Police Department estimates it will cost $1.15 billion to staff the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to a memo presented Thursday to the City Council's Budget and Finance Committee.

The projection - detailed in a letter from LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell attached to the memo - is equivalent to roughly half of the department's current annual budget of about $2 billion.

McDonnell wrote that LAPD can provide only a fraction of the staffing needed for the Games.

"The Department can self-supply only about one-third of peak Games staffing demand. The remaining two-thirds must be filled by outside law enforcement at premium rates, which is the single largest driver of the total cost," he said.

The estimate includes personnel costs for LAPD officers as well as lodging and pay for outside agencies brought in to help secure venues and manage crowds. It also accounts for the staffing needed to maintain regular police service across Los Angeles during the Games.

The memo also notes that sworn staffing is projected to fall to about 8,400 officers - more than 200 fewer than the department has now - indicating retirements are expected to outpace hiring.

City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo wrote that state and federal funding may be available to cover the projected security costs.

He also said the state may take the lead in coordinating and managing the deployment of outside law enforcement agencies.

On Friday, the U.S. Secret Service told Eyewitness News that local agencies will not be on their own for securing SoCal during the Games. The agency shared the following statement:

"The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been designated a National Special Security Event by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, a designation that is based in part on the event's significance, size, and attendees. Designating an event an NSSE allows for significant resources from the federal government including federal staffing and resources to be used to ensure a robust security plan is in place. The U.S. Secret Service looks forward to working with all of our law enforcement partners in Southern California on this historic event."