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San Jose chiefs outline police and fire recruitment plans; city explains first responder fee rollout
Summary
San Jose police and fire chiefs told the council about current vacancies, recruitment strategies and upcoming academies. Fire and police leaders said staffing is improving but gaps remain; the city also described steps to implement a new first‑responder fee, including an ordinance and contracted third‑party billing firm.
Police and fire leaders briefed San Jose councilmembers on staffing shortages, recruitment efforts and a new first‑responder fee during a public safety city service area study session.
Lede: Police Chief Joseph told the council the department currently has roughly 25–30 budgeted vacant positions and expects to start a large next academy with 40–44 recruits; Fire Chief Sapien said sworn vacancies equate to about a 6.94% vacancy rate (about 50 positions) and the department is targeting a class of 30 in August.
Recruitment strategies. Chief Joseph said the department has boosted online…
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