Chief Fetherolf Says More Cops are Needed - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

Salinas, Calif- Some Salinas officials want a 1% sales tax increase to hire more officers. Chief Louis Fetherolf said he's not allowed to push one way or the other, but bottom line, more cops are needed, "We have many very capable people, but we simply don't have enough we are so far behind the curve," said Fetherolf.

The Chief says the Gang Summit will help lay the foundation of a strategic plan for the police department as they struggle with the gang problem, "Any good initiative starts with some good thinking and that's what this is, the best minds together, and the top law enforcement officials, in our region and in the country," said Fetherolf.

Salinas is at serious a crossroad. Already 21 homicides this year, that's more than San Jose. Without an increase in man power there is only so much police can do. The chief says 131 more personnel are needed including 83 more officers, "We're at this maintain stage now, it's kind of like that cat hanging onto the bar that says hang in there baby, that's where we are as an agency," said Fetherolf

The city introduced Measure K.  It's 1% general tax initiative, Fetherolf says will be put on the November ballot to help beef up safety and crime prevention," Whether or not this ballot measure passes we need to produce the very best product we can given the resources we have and that's where we're going," said Fetherolf.