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Council approves hiring six psychologists for police work, public asks how they will be used
Summary
The council approved hiring six psychologists exempt from civil service for police-related duties; a public speaker asked whether the new psychologists will be on call to assist officers during confrontations with mentally disturbed people.
The Los Angeles City Council approved an exemption from civil service to hire six psychologists to support police operations.
During public comment, Leonard Shapiro asked whether the psychologists would be placed on call to assist patrol officers in confrontational incidents involving mentally disturbed people, or whether they would be used primarily for training. Shapiro said on‑call availability could help prevent unnecessary shootings and fatalities.
Council discussion was brief; there were no recorded objections. The clerk tabulated the vote as "15 ayes," and the item was approved.
The city did not specify in the meeting how the psychologists will be deployed across precincts, whether they will be centrally located or assigned by area, or whether their duties will be primarily clinical, training, or on‑call operational support. The council record notes the hire as an exemption from civil service for six positions.
