KXTV News (Sacramento, Calif.)
Police in West Sacramento took their case for more officers and better pay and benefits to the city streets Thursday morning.
The rank and file of the 99-member force picketed peacefully, joined by dozens of supporters. Police want more officers for a city that has doubled in population to nearly 33,000 since it incorporated in 1987. According to the police officer’s union, the city has added just two more officers in 18 years. However, city officials dispute that number and insist that the force has grown more sustantitally.
The officers are also seeking better wages and benefits, contending their pay scale falls below that of similar California cities. “We’re the lowest paid out of those eight comparable cities,” said police union president Matt Luiz. “A result of that is that we have a hard time recruiting qualified candidates.”
The city’s mayor, Christopher Cabaldon, acknowledged the salary situation, adding, “But we have a budget, too, so we have to do that over time.” The mayor told News10 West Sacramento has reduced crime by 50 percent in recent years.
A state mediator has been called in to help West Sacramento and the police union resolve their collective bargaining issues. Officers said they are concerned West Sacramento will impose a one-year contract on them. They said they do not plan to strike or hold work sick-outs.
Besides 67 sworn officers and 32 civilian employees, the West Sacramento Police Department employs part-time parking enforcement officers, reserve officers and clerks. Officers patrol and enforce the law over West Sacramento’s 23 square miles. The city is situated on the west side of the Sacramento River across from Sacramento.