Council members used May 28’s study session to press contract law enforcement representatives about rising Sheriff's contract costs and to explore alternatives that emphasize prevention, youth services and housing supports.

Council members noted public safety consumes a large portion of the city’s general fund and asked whether the 4.37% projected increase in contract costs had specific drivers and whether reductions might be expected. Lieutenant Eric Martinez (contract law representative) said the increase is attributable to the consolidated patrol cost model used by the county; Captain Shawnee Hedren of the East Los Angeles Station said the station provides crisis intervention teams, homeless outreach teams and youth services as part of the services included in the pricing model.

Council members and the public urged inclusion of prevention programs such as mental‑health outreach, mediators and youth development programs to reduce crime drivers. Council Member Flores asked how to include deliverables that center tenant protections, youth leadership and family‑focused housing in upcoming budgets. Council members and staff agreed grants will be critical to funding additional non‑patrol programs because the general fund has limited flexibility.

Sheriff’s representatives also described ongoing efforts to connect unhoused individuals with nonprofit partners and said outreach requires repeated contact and multi‑agency coordination. Council and staff asked for more detail in future reports about the nonprofit partners, program names and the types of calls the department receives; deputies said they will provide a breakdown of mental‑health–related calls and outreach partners at a future meeting.