Oroville cops ‘bleeding’

The Oroville Police Officers Association has filed a complaint with the state Public Employment Relations Board charging the city of Oroville with “unfair practice” by failing to “bargain in good faith.”

In a press release, the OPOA said it was taking the step because the city is “bleeding away … experienced police officers to other law enforcement agencies” and the City Council has been unwilling to address the problem. It noted that Oroville cops have been working without a contract since July 1 and attempting to negotiate with the city since March.

Because of a lack of competitive pay and benefits and increasing work load, the OPOA charges, the Police Department has struggled to hire new employees and veteran officers are commuting to other locales.

Phone messages left with Chief of Police Mitch Brown and City Administrator Sharon Atteberry were not returned.