"City leaders are vilifying and demonizing them at every turn. The defund strategy by the majority of city council has brought us this violent crime," he said.
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Donelan says police don't have the resources to keep up with the crime surge.
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The department is currently losing about 10 offices a month.
"We're at 694 today. Lowest we've been in seven years, yet the highest violent crime in a decade."
VIDEO: Oakland PD staffing at a 10-year low
'This has to stop': Oakland police investigating 100th homicide of the year, chief says
Donelan believes officers are leaving largely because of city leaders' actions.
It's a claim firmly rejected by several members of the Oakland City Council.
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"That's a ridiculous exaggeration," Councilman Dan Kalb said. "Most people who leave the police force are retiring because they're now at retirement age."
Councilmember Noel Gallo told ABC7 the council did vote 6-2 on Tuesday to add a new police academy this fiscal year to help address the problem.
WATCH: Mayor Libby Schaaf says Oakland needs more officers as city grapples with 'heartbreaking' homicide rate
'This has to stop': Oakland mayor, police chief plead with community as city records 100th homicide
However, they want to make sure, it comes with some fundamental changes.
"How do I screen, where do I recruit? How long do I maintain the officers?" Gallo questioned.
Because if there's one thing everyone can agree on, it's that the violence needs to stop.
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