Police Union Taking Up Cudgels Against Management
Photo by Digitalart
A drama is being played out in one of the foreclosed capitals of the country – Stockton City. The police union has taken up cudgels against the management. The city, starved of funds has targeted the police force with spending cuts. This has riled the group in an unprecedented way.
The first salvo against the administration has been protests through provocative banners. The second step was the purchasing of a house (the first property the union bought) right next to that of the city manager, Bob Deis. This targeting of the police by the city is happening at a time when crime has gone up in this inland port city. Stockton recorded the highest crime rate pertaining to violence in California in 2010.
The response of the city has been to sue the union regarding the purchase of the house and wants it to be sold. In documents submitted at court Deis stated, “I believe the SPOA purchased the property … for the sole purpose of coercing me in the exercises of my duties as city manager”. He said that one of the union members clipped trees during a party held in his house.
The police force that originally numbered 315 in 2008 has gone down by over 25%. The city compelled the force to accept reductions in wages and benefits while endeavouring to narrow a deficit of over $20 million.
The police union has brought legal charges against the city alleging that it has no right to use the fiscal emergency situation to break contracts. If the ruling goes in favour of the union then the city would have to pay arrear wages touching $10 million. The city is on the verge of bankruptcy and this verdict could well push it over the edge.
The city administrators did not make any comments on a pending legal suit. Meantime the union has rented out the house after indulging in loud noisy repairs to a retired person owning two dogs.
The angst is directed against the city spending on a sports arena, a hotel on the waterfront and other developments during sunny days. At night lights sparkle on a shopping plaza and movie complex. The theatre had sixteen screens but less number of customers hung around the neighbouring eateries.
Cops were often seen handcuffing offenders and for this the shop owner and residents were thankful. But with less numbers to patrol the streets they are apprehensive. Some want to move away.
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