Will Oakland's Police Shortage Affect San Leandro?

Oakland's police force has shrunk to 629 officers, down about 25 percent from 837 four years ago, the Oakland Tribune reports. 

That city has had 100 killings and a 20 percent spike in major crime.

The Tribune says some Oakland leaders want to contract with the Alameda County Sheriff's Department to bring on additional help. But where will Oakland get the $158,000 per deputy that this would cost in annual pay and benefits?

Oakland is in the process of discipling 44 of its officers for misconduct during the Occupy protests, when San Leando police assisted on occasion. 

Meanwhile, an Oakland city council candidate was robbed at gunpoint Wednesday night as the sense of crisis in our neighboring city grows.

None of this paints a pretty picture. How does the situation in Oakland affect San Leandro?

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