Right now, 706 officers are on the force – the lowest number in six years

By Melissa Colorado

Homicides in Oakland are up by more than 100% since last year.

As homicides soar, the Oakland Police Department said it continues to lose burned out officers at a growing rate – either to retirement or to another city.

"Many members wearing the blue uniform are leaving the vocation because of the stresses on themselves and their families," said Barry Donelan, president of the Oakland Police Officers Association.