LOS ANGELES : Gates Says Reforms Will Cost $7.8 Million

Implementing reforms proposed by the independent Christopher Commission will require $7.8 million in additional revenues in the coming fiscal year, Police Chief Daryl F. Gates says in a report to be considered today by the Police Commission.

It is the first time the Los Angeles Police Department has put a price tag on the reforms, and it comes as the city is struggling with a nearly $200-million deficit for next year. Most of the added cost--$6 million--would go for more internal affairs investigators to probe all complaints of officers using excessive force and improper tactics. Now, many complaints never get beyond the station level.

A centerpiece of the reforms--so-called community-based policing--is being implemented in some divisions with existing funding. Given the financial squeeze, city budget officials said the Police Department may have to pay for all Christopher Commission reforms out of its existing $629-million spending package.