It's like that all over the West
https://post.ca.gov/law-enforcement-jobs
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/loc...s-for-School-Resource-Officers-396875401.html
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/loc...-Keep-Up-With-1500-Daily-Calls-474350503.html
https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/03...00-officers-by-2016-according-to-projections/
make $100K with a high school diploma
http://www.sjpd.org/joinsjpdblue/
After almost 14 years with the department, Thursday was Pace's last
day as a San Jose cop. She's trading in her sergeant's badge to become
a patrol officer in Hillsboro, Ore. Pace is one of 79 officers who
have resigned from the San Jose Police Department since 2011,
including 30 this year.
San Jose police Chief Chris Moore said for the first time in the
department's history more police officers are resigning -- primarily
for jobs with other departments -- than are retiring. Twenty-one
officers have retired this year.
Moore and union officials say the reason is twofold. After pension
reform and pay cuts, officers can make more money and better benefits
elsewhere, even at smaller departments. Others, including veteran
officers, are leaving because they say the once-proud force is
dispirited, overworked and rife with morale problems. They don't see
the same opportunities and proactive policing they once did.
"It's absolutely the hardest decision I've ever made," said Pace,
saying she weighed what is best for her family, including wife Beach
Pace, former executive director of City Year, and their two young
children. "I've never loved an agency, a city
as much as I love this place. I love San Jose. My heart and soul is
here, absolutely. It just pains me to leave."
As a result of the exodus, Police Department staffing is substantially
lower than what's authorized. There are 1,055 sworn officers instead
of 1,109. For the patrol division, the problem is even greater. It is
authorized for 548 officers but only has 492 on the rolls, and 32 of
the officers are not available for duty due to various reasons. In
2008, the patrol division boasted nearly 600 officers. The fear among
officers is the number will continue to drop and put a greater strain
on their safety and ability to answer calls for service