Jul 6, 2009 10:30 pm US/Pacific
Entire SWAT Team May Fall Under Vallejo Budget Axe
Reporting
Ron Jones
VALLEJO, Calif. (CBS13) ―
The cash-strapped city of Vallejo has already made hard decisions in the face of a tumultuous budget crisis and bankruptcy, but city officials say they are being forced to consider taking the budget axe to their entire SWAT team.
Vallejo is already dealing with deep cuts in their police and fire departments -- currently, there are only 116 officers to keep 120,000 residents safe -- and now the city council says that 16 more officers must go, which would wipe out the SWAT team.
Highly trained SWAT team members are crucial for dangerous, barricaded suspect situations where hostages can be involved, but now the average beat officer may be called to handle those situations along with their normal patrol duties.
Just two weeks ago, two people were held hostage in a Vallejo apartment complex, and neighbors say it probably would have ended violently if SWAT members had not been involved.
"Probably a blood bath," said neighbor William Smith, who lives just behind the scene of the incident.
Vallejo is considered one of the most crime-challenged cities in the state, but some residents don't see the need for the specialized unit.
"The crime rate around here doesn't seem that disastrous," said resident Tommy Giles.
The 16 officers facing layoffs will be notified within the next month if the cuts are approved.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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