Calling new cops

Faced with continued departures from the ranks of its sworn officers due to low pay, low morale, and competition from other law enforcement agencies, the San Diego Police Department is casting an ever-wider net for new recruits. The latest road trip for recruiters took them as far as Ohio, according to a notice on the website of the University of Toledo. Tests were offered there on April 3 and 4. “The department is actively recruiting new hires and lateral transfers — officers currently working for other law enforcement agencies,” the bulletin said, adding that walk-ins were more than welcome. “Starting salary could be up to $72,675, depending on applicant’s qualifications. No reservations are required; applicants will be admitted to the test on a first-come, first-served basis. After finishing the written test, applicants will be required to complete a Pre-Investigative Questionnaire.” Heading up the recruiting effort is Captain Bob Kanaski, who ran the vice squad during the time the FBI had an undercover agent inside the Cheetahs strip club, picking up evidence that was later to be used against city councilmen Ralph Inzunza, Michael Zucchet, and the late Charles Lewis. It was subsequently disclosed that local police had been clued in all along to the bribery investigation being conducted by the feds at the club. ... With the Padres season underway, the city box at Petco Park, where city officials get free seats and $15 worth of food and booze, is packing them in. Recently released sign-in sheets show that Jerry Sanders, up for reelection this year, was conspicuously absent, turning his six tickets over to members of the armed forces; city councilman Jim Madaffer and city attorney Mike Aguirre warmed their own respective seats during one game. Madaffer took his son and Aguirre was accompanied by fiancée Ana del Castillo. Madaffer and son went with the food option; the Aguirre party didn’t.