In a surprise move, Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums is threatening to lay off 140 cops in an effort to help balance the city’s projected $83 million budget deficit, according to the Oakland Tribune. But Dellums may not have to go ahead with the massive layoffs if the city receives a $67 million federal grant over the next three years. Nonetheless, Dellums’ move is surprising for several reasons. First, laying off police officers in a crime-ridden city like Oakland will be extremely unpopular. And second, if the department lays off that many officers, then the city may have to abandon Measure Y, the 2004 community policing initiative, thereby costing Oakland much-needed revenues.
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