California Overtime Problems Stemming from May Day Riots Could Lead to More Police Hires

Santa Cruz, CAA riot in Santa Cruz required law enforcement professionals from several different counties to flock downtown this weekend, an event that may lead to a greater police presence in the area due to the substantial cost of overtime pay in California.

A group of protesters had gathered for what was assumed to be a peaceful May Day rally, but the gathering eventually descended into chaos when protesters began hurling rocks, smashing windows and looting stores. While no injuries have been reported, early estimates place the damage at more than $100,000, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

Only eight officers were on duty at the time of the incident, prompting officials to request backup from companion organizations in the county, including police from Watsonville, Capitola, UC Santa Cruz, the California Highway patrol and the Sheriff's Department.

After authorizing the release of overtime pay to the officers, city Councilman Ryan Coonerty used the opportunity to call for a larger police presence in the area.

"The fact is between the gang violence and the acts of violence downtown, we need more police," Coonerty told the news provider. "We've authorized a lot of overtime to deal with the gang problems and that costs a lot of money. We're going into the red for overtime because we think it's important to have extra police on duty right now. But going into the red is not sustainable."