JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Sheriff John Rutherford is on the offensive to explain cuts he will have to make to balance the books for Mayor Alvin Brown.
Rutherford says 58 corrections officers will be laid off to plug the hole, with Community Service Officers also on the chopping block.
"We have the same concerns as Sheriff Rutherford over a reduction in force of sworn police officers. The laying off of any Law Enforcement Officer would have a detrimental effect on the prosecution of our cases," State Attorney Angela Corey said in a statement released by her office.
Janice Randall is new to becoming a crime victim, with her Northside home and that of a neighbor targeted by burglars on Monday.
Randall says she has not given much thought to the discussion of potential layoffs of police officers.
"We need the police, we need them," said Randall from the living room of her home that is missing $2,500 in belongings.
Her uncle, Frank Henderson, was more vocal in where he stands on the issue.
"I would not like to see no cuts ... We need more police. That's where I stand on that," said Henderson.
The Jacksonville City Council is just beginning its review of the budget. Sheriff Rutherford believes maintaining property tax collections to the level of last year would save officers and not compromise public safety.
First Coast News