San Leandro City Council To Address Police Staffing Shortage

SAN LEANDRO, CA -- At it's next meeting, the City of San Leandro City Council is scheduled to consider a new pay incentive for San Leandro Police Department officers and dispatchers to meet the challenges of an active deployable staff of less than 60%.

The recommended incentive, which offers a maximum of $20,000 per eligible staff member over the next two fiscal years, is scheduled to be discussed at the July 5, 2022, San Leandro City Council meeting.

All police officers, dispatchers, and command staff, would be eligible for the incentive, which will be made in three payments over the next two fiscal years to encourage retention; however, the Police Chief would not be eligible, according to city officials.

"Payments would recognize the contributions made by SLPD officers and dispatchers to the San Leandro community during the extraordinary past several months of severe vacancies necessitating mandatory overtime and emergency shifts," the city said in a statement explaining the incentives.

“This action isn’t just about money, though,” Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter noted. “We want all San Leandrans to know how much we value our police department staff.”

Eligible staff would receive a first payment of $10,000 within 30 days of Council approval, a second payment of $7,500 no later than six months following the first payment, and a third payment of $2,500 no later than six months following the second payment.

"There is sufficient funding in the City’s budget from vacant positions to accommodate the incentive payments," the city declared in its statement. "Retaining experienced staff also helps minimize significant recruitment expenses - which is about $88,000 per position - and the loss of institutional knowledge that is essential to keep the community safe."

“Keeping our community safe and secure is my top priority and I’m confident that these incentives are just a first step in reducing our police staffing crisis and sending our officers and dispatchers a clear message that we appreciate all they do for San Leandro every day,” City Manager Fran Robustelli added. “I am not aware of any other city that is acting as aggressively to meet hiring challenges, and it’s vitally important that we take the lead with this issue that is afflicting almost every public safety agency.”

“This agreement resulted from a productive negotiation process, and I’m pleased that we were able to find a solution to help ease our staffing issues,” San Leandro Police Officers’ Association President Michael Olivera said.

Members of the public interested in applying for an outstanding first responder opportunity in a world-class department where staff are appreciated and valued are asked by the city to visit www.wearourblue.org.