Sacramento mayoral hopeful Kevin Johnson called a reduction in police patrols another example of Mayor Heather Fargo's misplaced priorities, and called this week for funding to end it.

City police officials said this week they will roll out two-person patrols as an experimental cost-savings measure. Johnson said police wouldn't have to take such a step if Fargo hadn't cut funds for public safety.

"We've already seen the destruction caused in property by the cutback in fire station brownouts ordered by the Mayor," Johnson said in a statement. He called on Fargo and the Sacramento City Council to restore funds at next week's City Council meeting that would end the two-person patrols.

Johnson, a retired NBA All-Star making his first run for public office, has made public safety, along with education and economic development, the centerpiece issues of his campaign.

In the release, Johnson noted that crime rates have increased in Sacramento by 55 percent over the last seven years, and violent crimes have also increased.