LA Sees Violence Against City Employees Soar

Los Angeles City Attorney's Office claim that workplace violence and threats to municipal workers increased 2,000% in the past 5 years. There were four reports of workplace violence in 2001, 26 in 2002, 58 in 2003, 45 in 2004 and 93 in 2005, according to records. There was also an upsurge in the number of restraining orders filed. While there were 41 restraining orders last year, there were just 32 in 2003 and only 12 in 2004. There was some discussion if this was due to more threats and incidents or just better reporting. The office asked for $400,000 to create a full-time Workplace Violence Unit however it is unlikely as there was a projected a $270 million budget shortfall.