Long Beach accepts DOJ grant to re-establish narcotics unit; budget gap noted

The Long Beach City Council on Nov. 6 voted to accept a three-year Department of Justice grant that will help fund an additional detective and reconstitute a narcotics enforcement unit.

Police leadership said the department historically had a narcotics unit but budget reductions eliminated it; the grant will allow the department to reintroduce a dedicated enforcement team focused on narcotics cases. Police Commissioner and department staff described operational benefits, including more focused enforcement and improved public safety.

Budget questions: Councilmember John and others pressed staff about long-term affordability. Staff said the grant would provide roughly $100,000 per year for three years but estimated a $289,000 deficit over the three-year grant period that the city must cover. City Manager Dan Creighton said near-term costs could be met from overtime savings and one-time transfers, with the intent to build the position into future budgets; police noted retirements and standard personnel churn could also mitigate cost increases.

Community reaction: Public commenters, including resident James Hodge, welcomed the grant and urged recruitment that improves diversity within the police force. Staff acknowledged the need for diversity efforts while emphasizing the operational goal of increasing detective capacity.

Vote: The resolution to accept the DOJ grant passed by roll call. Staff said the department expects arrests and some overtime costs but views the unit as an investment in quality-of-life policing.

Sources: Staff presentation, police commissioner remarks and public comment at the Nov. 6 council meeting.