Fast-growing Sacramento ranks last in a list of the country's 50 largest cities for the number of uniformed police officers per capita, according to the figures compiled by the FBI. In 2005, there were 1.46 uniformed police officers in Sacramento for every 1,000 residents - roughly half the national average for large cities.

Leaders of the Sacramento Police Department say their agency is woefully understaffed and struggling to stop the proliferation of some types of crimes. According to Sacramento City Manager Ray Kerridge, police officials are working with an outside consultant to outline the need for additional officers and facilities over the next 15 years. A draft of the plan is scheduled to be completed next month.

Source: AP Wire

Gillian Parrillo
The Sacramento Executive