The Los Angeles Police Department is reportedly considering a major staffing move ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games: temporarily shutting down part of its police academy program so hundreds of training officers can be reassigned to street duty.
According to reports, the idea was discussed among senior LAPD officials as the department prepares for one of the largest security operations in Los Angeles history. Under the proposal, the academy could pause operations for roughly seven months after the January 2028 recruit class. That would allow more than 300 officers from the department’s training division to return to field assignments during the busy Olympic period.
The officers affected would include instructors who normally train new recruits in areas such as firearms safety, traffic stops, evidence handling, crime scene procedures, and interviewing victims and suspects. By moving those officers back into active duty, LAPD leaders could temporarily increase the number of available officers on the streets.
The plan is not final, and officials have not publicly confirmed that the academy will be shut down. The LAPD said the Olympic Games are still two years away and that the department will be prepared to protect residents and visitors.
The proposal comes as Los Angeles faces growing concerns about police staffing before the global event. Security planners estimate that Southern California could need tens of thousands of law enforcement officers across the Olympic and Paralympic period. LAPD is expected to handle security and traffic control around multiple venues inside Los Angeles city limits, along with road events and daily city operations.
Some officials believe temporarily reassigning academy staff may be necessary to meet the extraordinary security demand. However, others worry that stopping academy classes could hurt long-term recruiting at a time when the department is already trying to rebuild its ranks.
Critics argue that any pause in training new officers could create problems after the Games, especially if retirements and resignations continue. To reduce that risk, one possible version of the plan would increase academy class sizes before and after the Olympics to help offset expected staffing losses.
The issue also connects to a larger financial debate. Los Angeles leaders are still working through how public safety costs for the Games will be covered. Olympic organizers and city officials have discussed reimbursement for city services, but police funding remains one of the most sensitive parts of the planning process.
The LA28 Olympic Games are scheduled for July 14 to July 30, 2028, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 15 to August 27, 2028. With millions of visitors, athletes, media workers, and staff expected across Southern California, policing and traffic control will be central to whether the event runs smoothly.
For now, the academy shutdown proposal remains under discussion. But the debate highlights the pressure facing Los Angeles as it prepares to host the world while still maintaining everyday public safety for residents.
