‘Overwhelmed’: Cops combat violent crime as ranks dwindle

By GILLIAN FLACCUS, CLAUDIA LAUER and STEFANIE DAZIO
Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — In Portland, Oregon, the police chief recently pulled detectives from cold case and assault units to backfill the homicide unit, which is overwhelmed by a spike in gun violence. In Philadelphia, the police disbanded its abandoned car unit and in Los Angeles, homeless outreach and animal cruelty teams have largely shut down. In major American cities, police departments are losing officers and can’t find enough recruits to replace them. Pandemic burnout, budget cuts and anti-police protests after George Floyd’s murder have combined to reduce police ranks and many departments are downsizing. The evolution has affected residents in ways large and small.