San Jose expected to lose hundreds of copsnnSan Jose Police Chief Anthony Mata wants to increase the number of sworn officers in the SJPD, which is one of the smallest in the nation for a city of its size.n

nThe San Jose Police Department should expect a mass exodus of officers in the next three years, union leaders said.nnA survey conducted by The San Jose Police Officers’ Association shows more than 200 officers are planning to resign—with more than 150 wishing to do so in the next 36 months. Among those planning to leave, four out of five officers cited the lack of support from the city as the reason. Officers said issues such as salary and benefits also contribute to their departure plans.nnUnion leaders said the issue is years in the making and the result of city leaders failing to address chronic staffing issues. The police union is in contract negotiations with the city. According to city officials, the police union’s latest proposal is a 14% pay increase over two years—8% in 2022-23 and 6% in 2023-24—and a $5,000 bonus.nnn“These numbers are jaw dropping,” union President Sean Pritchard told San José Spotlight, adding 77 other officers, eligible for retirement, plan to do so in the next three years. “We’re drowning. SJPD is calling 911, and there’s no lifeline.”nnThe survey includes answers from 680 officers—less than half of all union members, spokesperson Tom Saggau told San José Spotlight. The union believes the real number of officers planning to resign would be much higher if all members responded, Saggau added.nnThe San Jose Police Department, the most thinly-staffed law enforcement department of any major U.S. metropolis, is already struggling with a surge in retirements and challenges in recruiting officers, San José Spotlight previously reported. The department has seen 206 officers retire or leave the department since January 2021, according to the police union. Plus, sworn officer applications dropped last year.n

Report: Declining San Jose police applications reflect national trend.nRead full article HEREnn

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