Congressman Josh Harder | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Josh Harder | Official U.S. House headshot
WASHINGTON – On June 21, Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) introduced the Investing in Community Safety Act to alleviate the police officer shortage in San Joaquin County. The bill increases funding for recruitment efforts and retention bonuses and is in direct response to concerns Rep. Harder has heard from police departments in Stockton and throughout San Joaquin County.
In order to recruit officers, local police departments often have to travel to other regions of the country and compete with other departments for new hires – Harder’s bill would fund these efforts. The bill also urges the Attorney General to provide preferential treatment to law enforcement agencies in historically high crime areas that may have an adverse effect on recruitment.
“Every day, our law enforcement in San Joaquin County put everything on the line to keep us safe despite being stretched thin with officer shortages,” said Rep. Harder. “When our police departments don’t have enough officers, everyone’s safety is at risk. We need to do whatever we can to keep our police force from burning out and make sure they know they are valued here in our community.”
“Recruiting and retention are a cornerstone to the sustainability of any law enforcement agency’s success in policing with their community. Costs associated with national travel for recruiting, e-marketing, traditional marketing, and targeted outreach continue to rise which impacts other discretionary spending on training and equipment. The Investing in Community Safety Act of 2023, would allow the COPS Grant program to cover costs associated with recruitment and retention bonuses which would have a direct impact on recruiting and retention efforts,” said Deputy Chief Antonio Sajor of the Stockton Police Department.
The Stockton Police Department is authorized to employ 485 officers and currently employs 364 officers, 75% of their total capacity. The current shortage means daily patrols and special task forces, like gun apprehension, gang monitoring, and homicide units, remain understaffed. Additionally, community-based assignments like FBI coordination, public housing postings, and helping unhoused people find stable housing will be suspended.
This bill continues Rep. Harder’s work to increase police recruitment, provide equipment, and increase public safety in San Joaquin County.
A full copy of the bill can be found here.
Original source can be found here
Alerts Sign-up