Beverly Hills Pushes Back on Union Claims, Reaffirms Commitment to Public Safety

"The safety and security of Beverly Hills is not at risk."

That was the City's unequivocal message, released Saturday, as it addressed what it called “inaccurate information” distributed by the BHPOA regarding staffing, compensation, and departmental readiness.

According to the City’s release, Beverly Hills continues to lead the region, and the state, with a robust $117 million police budget, marking an increase of over $30 million since 2020. Crime, the City notes, has decreased by an average of 20% year over year. These are not just numbers, they are proof of a well managed, highly accountable department backed by strategic investment and community first values.

In the face of regional staffing difficulties that have affected agencies statewide, Beverly Hills is not standing still. A substantial increase to the department’s signing bonus program is already being considered by the City Council this Tuesday, August 5, a move that reflects the City's proactive approach to recruitment and retention.

“With leading response times, state of the art technology and some of the most well compensated officers in the state, the Beverly Hills Police Department continues to set the standard for law enforcement agencies across the country.”

The City firmly rejected claims that specialized units have been dismantled or are under resourced. The Crime Impact Team remains fully staffed, undercover officers are actively deployed, and the Motor Unit includes two sergeants and six active officers, disproving BHPOA’s assertion of near collapse. Moreover, contrary to union messaging, BHPD assigns two School Resource Officers, not one, to oversee school safety, again demonstrating that protecting students and families remains a core civic duty in Beverly Hills.

Perhaps the most consequential clarification came in response to salary comparisons. The BHPOA claimed that officers in Glendale, Inglewood, and Santa Monica are outpacing BHPD in earnings. But according to the City: Beverly Hills officers already earn more than Glendale officers, even after Glendale's July 1 increase. Even with Inglewood's 33% contract increase, BHPD officers will remain ahead in total compensation for every year of their own proposed agreement. The actual salary difference with Santa Monica officers, under the City’s latest offer, is just 6.29%, not the 19% claimed by the union. These corrections highlight the City's commitment to transparency and financial truth, traits essential in public negotiations.

Addressing the upcoming METRO expansion, the City highlighted its multi million dollar public safety center being constructed at the La Cienega station, a unique facility that does not exist anywhere else along the entire METRO system. This forward looking infrastructure is a testament to the City's careful planning and strong civic foresight as it adapts to new regional dynamics.

Moving Forward with Integrity While the BHPOA continues its campaign with the assistance of a paid communications consultant, City Hall is choosing a different path, one anchored in respectful negotiation, factual accountability, and a laser focus on protecting Beverly Hills residents and preserving public trust.

“The City remains committed to continuing a respectful, collaborative, and factual negotiation where the safety of Beverly Hills always remains our top priority,” the City said in its official statement.

As negotiations continue, residents deserve clarity, not confusion, and results, not rhetoric. With crime trends fluctuating and massive public safety challenges on the horizon, from the 2026 World Cup, to the 2028 Olympic Games, to the imminent launch of the Metro line through the city’s core, this is not the time for slow walked solutions or public messaging disputes.

While the City’s offer of a 22% compensation increase and expanded infrastructure investments is a step forward, it must be followed by a clear, decisive agreement that restores confidence among rank and file officers, not just top line statistics.

The public is watching, and rightly expecting decisive leadership. It is time for Beverly Hills to resolve these negotiations with the urgency and seriousness the moment demands.