Stockton police are asking for the public’s help in curbing crime in the city.
Police Chief Stanley McFadden held a news conference Monday to highlight the new “See Something, Say Something” initiative, calling on citizens to report suspicious activity and potential threats.
By turning the public into its own watchdog, city officials say they can count on citizens to submit tips for crime and hold themselves accountable. The initiative is described by Stockton Police as “a collaborative effort with local agencies aimed at combating violent crime and gang violence in the community.”
McFadden described this collaboration including what was previously known as the “community response team,” as the primary unit responding to gang and illegal weapons activity.
He says the department aims to spread the message and ask the community for help.
“Now it’s the time to be intentional and really lean on our community members,” McFadden said. “You guys gotta start telling us what’s going on.”
The work of the Gang Street Enforcement team, responsible for handling community calls related to gang and illegal weapons, was featured at the press conference Monday morning. This unit focuses on suppressing gang activity and apprehending violent offenders, police spokesperson David Scott told Stocktonia
So far, McFadden says this unit has made 559 felony arrests, 697 misdemeanor arrests and 77 weapons violations arrests since Jan 1. More than 130 firearms have also been seized, including 30 ghost guns.
“When you see suspicious activity, report it. When you witness something that concerns you, share it with us,” McFadden said. “Your proactive engagement can significantly enhance public safety throughout the county.”
Anyone submitting a tip leading to an arrest could also receive up to a $10K cash award, according to Scott.
While youth are encouraged to tip off police, some might fear retaliation. Vice Mayor Jason Lee says this is harmful to both the initiative and the community.
“I think that the snitch culture in this community has allowed people to be a part of their own victimization, and we want to stop that by starting this campaign,” Lee said.
McFadden assured that crime is continuing the downward trend from last year, which saw an 11.6% dip in the first three quarters compared to 2023.
“That’s something we’re proud of,” McFadden said. “But it’s not enough, right? We’re still losing lives. As long as we’re continuing to lose lives we have to continue to get better and be better.”
McFadden also plans to add more officers to the department’s community response team.
Mayor Christina Fugazi also announced an additional ten officers to be staffed, increasing the total force from the currently 425 budgeted officers up to 435.
“As my grandmother said, many hands make for light work,” Fugazi said.
Tips can be submitted anonymously to Stockton Crime Stoppers by calling (209) 946-0600, online StocktonCrimeStoppers.org, or by downloading the P3 Tips mobile app.