San Jose police have rejected a state assemblywoman’s request that the department ask the California Highway Patrol for help in battling a surge of crime that has gripped the city.
With the city seeing an increase in violent crime this year — including five homicides last week — Assembly Speaker pro tem Nora Campos wrote acting San Jose police Chief Larry Esquivel telling him that she’s concerned last week’s string of killings could be:
“… the beginning of what could be one of San Jose’s most violent summers in years.”
Campos’ letter went on to urge Esquivel to “strongly consider” seeking assistance from the CHP in patrolling the city’s streets.
The San Jose Police Department issued a statement Monday saying they:
“… have no immediate plans to reach out to other law enforcement agencies for assistance.”
It’s the second time Campos has urged San Jose police to go ask for help from outside agencies — and the second time her request has been turned down.
Last year she made a similar request to then-police Chief Chris Moore after a string of homicides, but that request was denied as well.
Campos notes that the 46 homicides last year in San Jose were the most in nearly two decades — and with 21 homicides so far this year — the city is on pace to surpass that number.
Last modified June 5, 2013 4:25 am
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