San Jose police look to increase number of female officers

SAN JOSE (KGO) -- The San Jose Police Department has a staffing issue. The city wants to increase the number of officers on the streets, but recruiting and retaining them has been difficult. Now the department is trying to fill the ranks with more women.

San Jose is the largest city in the Bay Area, it has less than a thousand officers and very few are women. The department hopes to change that, and we just spoke with the mayor a short while ago, who says that new recruits can expect an increase in pay. Members of graduating classes in the past have been mostly men going through the police academy.

The San Jose Police Officers Association says recruitment is more difficult than it is ever with more people retiring and resigning in record numbers. On top of that, the number of female officers has dramatically gone down.

"As a former criminal prosecutor I know having women police officers enable us to do so much more," said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo.

Our media partner, the San Jose Mercury News, reported the department currently has 88 female officers. That's far below the peak from 2008 and the lowest since 1993.

People who live and work in San Jose say more female officers are needed to represent the city.

"I think that's a great idea it's been a long time coming more women in workforce is a good thing," said Jamie Garrison, San Jose resident.

"I think it's important to make sure it's considered and then best person for job is interviewed and has opportunity," said Jason Mobbs, San Jose office worker.

Officers told the newspaper women don't want to join the force over concerns about passing physical tests, low pay and a lack of work-life balance.

"We are looking for best and brightest, we hope to find them at home here but if not here in San Jose will cast net throughout the state and throughout country," said Liccardo.

The free law enforcement career seminar is open to the public. It's this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the police substation on Great Oaks Parkway. People will get a chance to learn about the life of a woman in a police uniform, how to pass physical agility tests, understand the background check process -- while speaking directly with officers in the department.