California

Cops Dunk on Study Naming California ‘Best State to Be a Police Officer’

Unions say the authors didn’t survey the rank and file, who are plagued by low morale over understaffing, the high cost of living, and more.
Cops Dunk on Study Naming California ‘Best State to Be a Police Officer’
Protesters hold signs in support of defunding the police in Oakland, Calif., on July 25, 2020. Natasha Moustache/Getty Images
Jill McLaughlin
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Several police unions are disputing a recent survey by WalletHub that named California the best state in the nation to be a police officer, saying the reality is far different than the ranking.

According to the credit report platform, California ranked first among all U.S. cities for police officers because it spent the highest per capita on public safety, and state and local police.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
Author
Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.