When the Lathrop Police Department launched back in June, it had 35 sworn police officers comprising the force.
And if the Lathrop City Council approves the proposal before them on Monday, Feb. 13, that number could swell to 42 sworn officers.
That means in just over 7 months, Lathrop has increased its number of sworn police officers by 20 percent.
That means Lathrop with 32,000 residents will have more than half the number of police officers than Manteca has at 75 for a city almost three times its size in population with 90,000 residents.
The Lathrop City Council meets on the second Monday of the month at Lathrop City Hall – located at 390 Towne Centre Drive – at 7 p.m.
Earlier this year the council approved adding five patrol officer positions – adding one officer to each of the city’s five shifts to bolster the ranks and provide flexibility with scheduling, sick time, and vacations – and staff is now requesting funding for a lieutenant and a new school resource officer.
According to the staff report prepared for the council, the request before the council is to approve the funding for the two new positions from Measure C funds – the proceeds of the one cent sales tax increase approved by voters more than a decade ago.
A budget amendment for the existing budget cycle is being proposed in the amount of $330,000 - $235,000 of which will cover the salaries for the one-third of the fiscal year that is remaining while $70,000 will go towards the purchase of a new vehicle, $10,000 for signing bonuses, and $15,000 for equipment.
The estimated annual salary cost for the two positions, which would have to be included in the next budget cycle, will be $417,000.
While the city already has three school resource officers within the department, the upcoming opening of a second high school, according to staff, warrants adding another. The creation of a lieutenant position will allow for an internal restructuring that will create a mid-management position that will primarily provide oversight of patrol sergeants and provide assistance and direction to the rest of the teams within the agency.
To view the staff report or other items on the agenda visit the City of Lathrop’s website at www.ci.lathrop.ca.us.
To contact Bulletin reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.
