STOCKTON, Calif. — About twice a month, Stockton Police Chief Stan McFadden has a meet and greet with his new officers and employees, and on Wednesday, there were 10 officer trainees, two animal services officers, one dispatcher and one administrative assistant.
There was also the announcement of the first-ever police aide, Parmeet Sandhu.
“I’m 18 years old. I would love to be a police officer in a few years,” said Sandhu.
Sandhu, a current college student, is just the start of the recruitment pipeline Stockton Police Department is trying to build with local colleges. The department recently spoke to Delta College athletes about joining the force after graduation.
They are working to fill their 72 open officer positions.
“It hasn’t been our extra incentives that's been the big push. It’s been our engagement with the community,” said Chief McFadden.
The Stockton Police Department has previously struggled with competitive wages against other departments. They now offer a $15,000 signing bonus, retention bonuses and increased salaries.
Chief McFadden said they are recruiting officers that reflect the community. Five of the new officer trainees introduced Wednesday speak a second language.
“We’ve been exceptional at that. It’s something I’m really proud of. I know that’s what the community wants and that’s we want. We want to reflect the community,” said Chief McFadden.
The department has also been prioritizing recruiting local men and women. Many of the trainees at the event were from San Joaquin County or graduated from Delta College or University of the Pacific.
Others like Pedro Lupian Jr. were born and raised in Stockton.
“I want to be a police officer in the Stockton Police Department, because I want to make a difference in the city I know best,” said Lupian Jr.
Lupian Jr. is an Edison High School graduate and said patrolling his hometown will be comforting.
“I know a lot of people say it as a go-to answer because they don’t have anything else to say, making a difference is what I’m talking about, but I truly want to make a difference,” said Lupian. “I’m going to do everything that I can to protect them, I’m someone who values peace, so that’s what I’m going to give to guys. And I hope everyone does feel a little more at peace with me on the streets,” said Lupian Jr..
The officer trainees are waiting to be assigned academy dates. They will spend six months training before they'll be seen on the streets.
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