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San Jose Promotes 17 On Depleted Police Force

SAN JOSE (KCBS)— San Jose's depleted police department held a promotion ceremony for 17 members this past week.

Two new deputy chiefs and two new captains were honored in the force that has been affected by a record number retirements in the last two years as well as layoffs.

San Jose Police Chief Chris Moore said over 300 sworn positions have been lost.

"When you lose that many, you also lose command staff positions and you're not able to fill sergeants, captains, lieutenants and deputy chief's positions," said Moore.

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

The chief said those slots are now able to be filled by staff that has been on the force for a long time and that are committed to leadership positions within the organization.

San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed was on hand and said promotions ceremonies are "always fun".

"It's good to have people stepping up to take the lead in this department to help carry it forward as we rebuild the department," said Reed.

He said they're the ones responsible for making sure the department does well and will carry out the highest standards.

"These are the people that are going to make it happen," he said.

The current staffing level has not been seen since the early 1980's when San Jose was a much smaller city.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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