Police agencies losing officers

Three of every four California police agencies shrank during the last several years, collectively laying off thousands of cops, the latest FBI figures show.

The number of sworn police officers in California fell from 81,286 in 2008 to 77,584 in 2011, a roughly 5 percent decline. The number of police officers per 10,000 residents shrank by 7 percent.

Police agencies also employed about 3,000, or 7 percent, fewer civilian support staff in 2011 than they did during 2008.

Crime declined over that period but began to rise again during 2012.

Many police agencies continue to cut staff, though some, including the city of Sacramento, are hiring cops again.

Some of the biggest police cuts came in areas hardest hit by the recession, particularly the Central Valley.

The map shows the change in police staffing by county from 2008 to 2011.

Call The Bee's Phillip Reese, (916) 321-1137.