It appears as though the Hollywood City Commission has made some tough decisions at the commission meeting today. Thirteen Hollywood Police Officers have been terminated as well as imposing a ten percent pay cut for all other remaining officers. Additionally, it appears as though the City Commission cut their own salaries by ten percent. Needless to say, the budget cuts come after the City Commission learned that it faced a $10 million dollar budget shortfall rather than the anticipated $8.5 million shortfall.
It has been alleged by the Police and Firefighter Unions that the City Commission has engaged in unlawful negotiations by failing to provide any documentation showing a “financial urgency.”
According to Stephanie Szeto, a Hollywood resident and Police Officer; “we don’t have enough police officers and its getting to be a dangerous city.”
There are many dangers associated with reducing any police force. The obvious danger is that crime may rise due to less police presence. Additionally, without the proper amount of police officers, it is reasonable to conclude that criminal investigations may suffer due to lack of resources. This is especially troubling in cases where a proper investigation would have lead investigators to find evidence of innocence rather than guilt.
The Hollywood Police Department has been plagued with scandal for years. This ten percent pay cut may make an already problematic Police Department even more problematic. Only time will tell for sure.
If you have been arrested by the Hollywood Police Department and would like to speak with criminal attorney Richard Ansara, contact the Ansara Law Firm at (954) 761-4011. The Ansara Law Firm focuses on all areas of criminal law including drug crimes, DUI, violent crimes, and theft crimes. Principal Office is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Broward County. Call 24/7!!!