Despite Call For No Confidence, SJ Mayor Stands By Police Chief

SAN JOSE (KCBS)— San Jose's mayor came to the defense of his police chief after a member of the Police Officers' Association's Board called for a no confidence vote for the chief next week.

Mayor Chuck Reed said on Friday he thinks Police Chief Chris Moore is doing a great job under some very trying circumstances.

The request was put on Tuesday's agenda by one of the POA's 15 member board. It's unclear how many people on that board share the feeling.

City Manager Deb Figone and Mayor Reed both feel like Chief Chris Moore is doing a good job, especially considering the budget cuts he's had to deal with.

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

"They shouldn't be blaming the chief for these budget problems. If anybody is to blame for the budget, it's me. As the leader, I'm the mayor and we have to set the budget priorities and unfortunately we can't give the chief all the resources that he thinks we need for the department," said Reed.

While Chief Moore wasn't available to comment, department spokesman Sgt. Jason Dwyer said it's understandable that many officers feel frustrated.

"I'm frustrated. I've been here for 14 years and I can tell you that I come from a law enforcement family. My father [and] my grandfather worked in the San Jose Police Department. My family's been in this department since 1949. Even talking to my father, who retired as a captain, can't remember a time when things were this bad. They're as bad as they've ever been here," Dwyer said candidly.

Sgt. Dwyer added that if anything, this is a time for solidarity.

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