Los Angeles citizens express concern as elite police officers are diverted from crime-fighting duties to provide security for former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Story Highlights
- Kamala Harris’s Secret Service protection was revoked by the Trump administration.
- LAPD and CHP officers are reassigned from crime suppression to Harris’s security.
- The redeployment raises concerns about local crime-fighting capacity.
- Federal and local responsibilities intersect in this unusual security arrangement.
Federal Protection Revoked
In a controversial move, the Trump administration revoked Secret Service protection for Kamala Harris, following standard protocol where former vice presidents lose protection six months after leaving office unless extended by an executive order. President Biden had previously extended this protection for Harris, but this decision was reversed in June 2025, prompting local agencies to step in. The LAPD and California Highway Patrol (CHP) began providing security for Harris in September 2025.
The decision to allocate local resources to Harris’s security has sparked debate. The LAPD’s elite Metro Division, typically focused on crime suppression and high-risk operations, is now tasked with her protection. This shift has raised concerns about potential impacts on local crime-fighting capacity, as officers are pulled from their usual duties to fill the gap left by the withdrawal of federal protection.
Local Law Enforcement’s New Role
Los Angeles, a major urban center with significant crime challenges, relies on the Metro Division for rapid response and crime suppression. The reassignment of these officers to personal security duties is unusual and highlights the intersection of local and federal responsibilities. Typically, security for former vice presidents is handled by the Secret Service, with local law enforcement only providing support during visits or events.
The use of local law enforcement for the ongoing personal security of a former federal official is rare and has raised questions about the adequacy of federal protection. The LAPD and CHP have confirmed their involvement but remain tight-lipped on operational details for security reasons. This unprecedented situation could set a precedent for local agencies filling federal security gaps, raising both operational and public safety implications.
Implications for Public Safety
The reassignment of Metro Division officers has potential short-term and long-term implications. In the short term, the presence of these officers in crime suppression and casework could be reduced, possibly leading to increased response times or gaps in crime-fighting capacity. In the long term, this situation might strain LAPD resources and morale, as officers are reassigned from their primary roles, potentially affecting public safety in high-crime areas.
If @KamalaHarris wants security she can pay for it herself like every other former VP does. Why should taxpayers foot the bill and have fewer LAPD working cases?
Los Angeles police officers ‘pulled from working cases’ to provide security for Kamala Harris https://t.co/npCfOUCatu— 🇺🇸 #IAmTheNRA Rosenblum (@StevenRosenblum) September 4, 2025
The economic implications include potential overtime and resource costs for the LAPD and CHP. Socially, there is growing public concern over the ability to maintain crime suppression capabilities while fulfilling new security obligations. Politically, this situation has sparked partisan debate over the revocation of Harris’s Secret Service protection and the broader implications for local versus federal responsibilities.
Sources:
LA Times (for broader law enforcement context)
