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CHP, Sheriff Augment Understaffed Vallejo Police Department

VALLEJO (KCBS) - Deputies from the Solano County Sheriff's Office and officers from the California Highway Patrol have been assigned to patrol duty in Vallejo to augment a city police department down to just 85 officers.

The Vallejo Police Department sought outside help in May as a way to keep a lid on gang activity and violent crime. The additional patrols under "Operation Goodwill" are expected to continue through mid-June, law enforcement officials said.

"We are working in concert with other agencies in designated areas of Vallejo as a force multiplier to reduce crime," said Officer Chris Parker with the Solano Office of the CHP.

CHP, Sheriff Augment Understaffed Vallejo Police Department

Collaborative crime-fighting efforts have become more common because local law enforcement agencies have smaller budgets. Oakland recently ended a patrol agreement with the CHP because of a dispute over costs.

"We do get invited on occasion to help out in cities. Whether it be through budget issues or attrition rates of the officers, they just need the extra help," Parker said.

Four deputies and a supervising sergeant from the Solano County Sheriff's Office are sent to whatever area in the city that is experiencing violent crime, said Sheriff's Lt. Brad DeWall.

"It's pretty dynamic and kind of changes and evolves daily," he said.

The additional officers work in "high violent crime areas where there are frequent gunshots and gang activities," Vallejo police Lt. Jim O'Connell said in an interview with the Vallejo Times Herald.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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