Los Angeles (AP) -- The Los Angeles police and fire department lack the resources to respond to biological and chemical attacks, said Police Chief William J. Bratton, after the first meeting of the city’s Homeland Security Cabinet.
“We are probably one of the most under-equipped major cities in the country right now,” Bratton said Wednesday.
“Most of my officers, if there were to be a chemical or biological incident, what they have to protect them is this badge on their chest. That’s shameful,” he said.
Los Angeles Police Department officials said they need hundreds of specially treated suits that would protect personnel against biological and chemical attacks.
Of Los Angeles’ 9,000 police officers and 3,000 firefighters, only about 200 have protective gear, and the price of outfitting the rest could reach $100 million, according to the LAPD.
Mayor James Hahn said the city has requested federal funds to provide the equipment. He said local officials have, “a very well-coordinated plan to protect the citizens of this city,” but he stressed that there are no known threats against Los Angeles.
If the country goes to war with Iraq, the LAPD would place more officers on the street and at potential terrorist targets such as the Los Angeles International Airport, according to LAPD Cmdr. Mark Leap.
The city would open its Emergency Operations Center, where the mayor and top city leaders would coordinate emergency personnel and review information about potential threats.
Officials said security will be heightened at the March 23 Academy Awards Ceremony but declined to discuss details, saying they did not want to cause unnecessary alarm.
In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, security was tighter than usual at last year’s Oscars ceremony.