In Stockton, California, Police Chief Tom Morris recently retired after just eight months on the job. And like a lot of cops looking for a new job, it was a "give back" that solidified the boss's decision. The 12-day furlough Morris was facing (budget cutting measure) would have reduced his roughly $175,000 annual salary by about 5.8 percent, according to Human Resources Department Director Diana Garcia. Morris said his decision was not about money but rather principle.

"Money wasn't the issue," he said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. "Just don't take away what I've already earned." When Morris assumed leadership of the Police Department last March, he said he would stay for three to five years unless a personal matter came up that would force him to retire.

The furlough, and the resulting loss of income, qualifies as that personal matter, he said. Morris says he's got to look for his family. "In all my years in law enforcement, they've taken a back seat," he told the Times. Like a lot of agencies these days the Stockton Police Department is facing massive challenges financially speaking.

A city hiring freeze that exempted the Police and Fire departments now effects both as the city's projected budget deficit burgeoned. The police budget must now be cut by $11.4 million - a more than 10 percent reduction. And relations between the city and the department's rank and file have soured over ongoing contract negotiations.

But none of that influenced the chief's decision to leave. It makes it harder, but I was hoping I could lead the department through this tough time," he said. Stockton City Councilman Clem Lee, who had unsuccessfully called for a nationwide search for a candidate to replace the last chief, Wayne Hose, said he was disappointed by the news that Morris was leaving.

Lee said Morris had performed well.

"He became chief at a most difficult time, and it was just getting more difficult," Lee said. Both Lee, who is running for mayor, and Ann Johnston, his opponent, said the city should look outside Stockton for a replacement.

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