Phil Matier: More Friction Possible With Oakland's Police Chief And Mayor

OAKLAND (KCBS) - Police Chief Anthony Batts' decision Friday to finish out his 3-year contract couldn't patch over some of the more glaring problems in his relationship with City Hall.

The Police Department is still smarting from the lay-off of 80 officers over the summer, despite Mayor Jean Quan's commitment to hire back 10 of them.

The KCBS and Chronicle Insider, Phil Matier, notes that other officers continue to leave while the city reviews applications. And equipment problems—aging cars and malfunctioning radios, still plague the department despite assurances this week from Quan's office.

Matier expects Chief Anthony Batts to use his popular appeal as leverage to wring more concessions on equipment and personnel from the mayor and city council.

KCBS and Chronicle Insider Phil Matier:

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