The California Highway Patrol routinely helps city police departments if they request it.
But that's usually when responding to a specific crime or traffic incident.
The Oakland and Stockton police departments are stretched so thin they're asking the CHP to increase patrols and provide traffic enforcement.
Officer James Smith is with the Stockton CHP.
SMITH: "The CHP they'll meet with each department separately to finalize any specific details for assistance and we're looking for grant funding as a possible means to defray the costs."
It's unclear whether federal grant funds are available.
Governor Jerry Brown agreed that the CHP should do what it can
to help.
But cautioned that CHP is also operating under a tight budget,
and can only provide extra help to cities with the greatest
need.