Why not save money by outsourcing Santa Ana cops?

(Picture Courtesy of the O.C. Register)

Why are we paying so much for out of shape cops?

Can cash-strapped cities save money by outsourcing some of their police work?  Check out these excerpts from a post over at the California City News blog:

The Wall St. Journal reported this week that the Oakland Council recently voted to hire International Services Inc., a private security agency, to patrol crime-plagued districts.  The Journal notes that “While a few Oakland retail districts previously have pooled cash to pay for unarmed security services, using public funds to pay for private armed guards would mark a first for the city.”

Columnist Chip Johnson praised the move in the SF Chron earlier this month, noting the substantial cost savings the option presents.  The City of Chicago is also experimenting with a similar program.

You can also read the full Wall St. Journal article here.

This sure makes a lot of sense…


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"Admin" is just editors Vern Nelson, Greg Diamond, or Ryan Cantor sharing something that they mostly didn't write themselves, but think you should see. Before December 2010, "Admin" may have been former blog owner Art Pedroza.