The year-end financial report, which shows a $5.6M positive balance to Stockton’s coffers, also gives a short overview of the Stockton Police Department staffing figures. Part of the saving comes from the open positions. The report says that the department is having some success filling positions:
As of today, the department has increased officer staffing from the approximately 320 level they were at as the fiscal year began, to 333. They are projecting they will reach 344 by the end of the calendar year (authorized staffing is 361). There are four recruits in academy that will graduate by December, nine more due to begin academy at about the same time, and a sizeable number of candidates undergoing background checks. It is also hoped that the new Lateral Hiring Incentive Program recently approved by Council will provide a means of achieving additional hires. Lateral hires would come in at a higher cost than new academy graduates, which will further reduce the vacancy savings trend.
