Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck on Thursday warned that police officers will be in danger of layoffs unless the city proceeds with a ballot measure to increase its sales tax by a half-cent.

Speaking to The Times' editorial page board, Beck complained that he is already unable to hire 911 emergency operators, custody officers and mechanics. And he warned that the LAPD would probably lose 500 officers without the more than $200 million that would be generated by a sales tax hike.

Beck said 300 would be lost through a hiring freeze and an additional 200 as a result of layoffs. "That's 500 cops. And that is a huge impact," said Beck, appearing with City Council President Herb Wesson, who proposed the tax increase last week.

"I hope that that isn't what happens," Beck said. "And I don't want to panic my workforce. But I wouldn't be here if I didn't think it was a severe threat on public safety in Los Angeles."

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