Staffing Shortages in California Police Departments: A Recipe for Longer 911 Response Times?

California is facing a serious issue with police staffing shortages, and it’s causing a ripple effect on emergency response times across the state. According to recent data from the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), the average number of officers is fewer than two per 1,000 residents—nearly half the national average. This alarming statistic leads to longer waits for 911 assistance, leaving many Californians vulnerable in critical situations.

Take Sacramento, for instance, where the local police department is projected to operate with less than half the officers needed to adequately serve its growing population. With the national standard for response time being about seven minutes for high-priority calls, those numbers may have you wondering how long you’d be waiting for help if you needed it—in the middle of a crisis, that’s a long time to feel alone.

This staffing dilemma doesn’t just impact city dwellers; it stretches across both urban and rural communities, fueled by a mix of recruitment challenges and public perception issues surrounding law enforcement. PORAC leaders emphasize the urgent need for improved recruitment and resources to bolster community safety. After all, when you dial 911, the last thing you want is to hear a voicemail saying, “We’ll be right with you!” It’s a situation that demands urgent attention, so let’s hope lawmakers hear the call before it’s too late.