Ten days after graduation, another San Jose police cadet is walking out the door. The news comes on the heels of some discouraging numbers that were just released--regarding gang crimes in San Jose.
The department made no bones about it. It has a retention issue. Sources told NBC Bay Area a second cadet is leaving just after getting pinned. The first cadet left one day after taking the oath in San Jose. He went to Hayward police. The latest cadet to leave San Jose police is going back to his old job--fixing and installing air conditioning units.
Leslie Muniz lives in San Jose, and doesn't like the exodus of officers, especially when two leave just days after swearing to protect and serve San Jose.
Mario Maciel heads the Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force. He too doesn’t like the to see officers leave, especially as he prepares for the busy summer months when kids are out of school. And Maciel said the latest numbers show gang crimes jumped from six in February to 28 in March.
"As I hear recruits are leaving, and not taking a chance to work in the hometown that gave them an opportunity, it saddens me because San Jose is worth it.”
And some police brass aren't too happy with this billboard near police headquarters. It’s a recruitment sign for the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office.
"It’s a big city," Muniz said. "It’s a shame we keep losing our police officers.”
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On those gang crime numbers, Maciel said its not a trend but definitely something to keep an eye on.
