A group called the Police Executive Research Forum reported that resignations rose by 45% in the last year alone and retirements are up by 18%.

Darrell Cortez, a 30-year veteran of the San Jose Police Department, said he's glad he's not a cop now.

"Police officers are really feeling demonized, vilified, criticized in the court of public opinion," he said.

Cortez said he joined the force to help people and protect them from harm. He agreed that police reform is needed, but he is still sad to see a lot of officers deciding to turn in their badge in frustration.