San Leandro Police Department Does More with Less

The made more arrests last year despite a greater demand for police services, according to updated statistics from the department. 

The police had a 13 percent increase in calls for service last year compared to 2009, yet made 4 percent more arrests.

"I think it shows the job that we're doing" with limited resources, said Lt. Jeff Tudor, public information officer for the department. 

On average, the police got 215 calls per day last year and made 10 arrests per day.

Felony arrests were up by 15 percent in 2010, according a police department news release.

Arrests for residential burglary also increased by 15 percent last year, coinciding with a 15 percent increase in those crimes, according to department statistics. 

Overall, the number of crimes in San Leandro reported to the police department last year was the lowest in the past 30 years, according to department statistics. This is consistent with a state-wide trend, Tudor noted.

Crime was down in San Leandro by 8 percent last year compared to the previous year. The number of robberies, stolen vehicles, aggravated assaults and rapes all decreased last year, while the number of commercial and residential burglaries increased. 

The police department has lost eight officers over the past two years due to budget cuts. It is slated to bring back three of those positions, thanks to a federal grant.