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SOUTH STOCKTON POLICE SUBSTATIONS
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RECOMMENDATION
This item is presented for informational purposes and to request direction.
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Summary
The Police Department is implementing a structured, three-phase strategy aimed at enhancing public access to law enforcement services, strengthening community trust, and laying the groundwork for a long-term Public Safety Bridge Center.
The first phase of this initiative includes the development of two police substations in South Stockton, one in Weston Ranch and another in the Sierra Vista neighborhood. This project was prompted by Vice Mayor Jason Lee’s request for increased police visibility, additional accessible services and improved relationships. These substations will function as satellite offices dedicated to community policing, staffed by police department personnel.
This project’s phased implementation will prioritize delivering direct public safety services, enhancing community engagement, and establishing a permanent Public Safety Bridge Center. The center will provide a sustainable, collaborative space uniting law enforcement, city departments, and community members through youth programs, educational outreach, patrol strategies, and inclusive engagement initiatives. Additionally, neighborhood substations will maintain a consistent presence to foster local partnerships, increase visibility, and strengthen community trust and safety.
DISCUSSION
Background
In 2006, the Stockton Police Department established a substation in Weston Ranch as part of a broader effort to enhance law enforcement presence and support community-oriented policing. Strategically located within the Weston Ranch Center, the substation was staffed during normal business hours by a Community Service Officer.
The substation aimed to increase visibility and provide residents with convenient access to police resources. However, despite outreach efforts, community utilization remained low.
In 2008, due to the financial crisis, the City conducted a comprehensive review and usage and decided to close the store front.
Present Situation
In response to Vice Mayor Lee’s February 2025 request for two staffed substations in South Stockton with one specifically in Weston Ranch the Stockton Police Department is implementing a three-phase plan.
Phase I - Establishment of Temporary Storefront Substations
Phase One focuses on identifying and activating a short-term leased facility to serve as a low-barrier, public-facing police substation. The objective is to launch operational sites by July 2025, enhancing police visibility and delivering essential community services.
Priority is being given to a site along Manthey Road in Weston Ranch, near residential neighborhoods and shopping centers for optimal accessibility. Additionally, a collaborative opportunity with the Housing Authority of San Joaquin at Sierra Vista presents a second location within a familiar and trusted community setting.
Both substations will offer walk-in services during regular business hours, including assistance with minor crime reports, citation signoffs, crime prevention materials, and outreach for neighborhood and business watch programs.
Each substation will be staffed by police officers, with additional support from professional staff and trained volunteers as needed.
Phase I implementation will encompass key foundational tasks necessary to prepare both substations for public service. These tasks include interior retrofitting to ensure functional and secure layouts, procurement and installation of essential furnishings, and the setup of security alarm systems to safeguard personnel and assets. Additionally, facility branding will be completed to reflect department standards and foster community recognition. Cleaning services will be conducted to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for staff and visitors. Lastly, three designated parking stalls will be attained at each location to support accessibility and operational readiness.
Completion of these efforts will mark the conclusion of Phase I, establishing a solid infrastructure for the successful launch of substation operations.
Phase II - Operational Evaluation and Pilot Program Expansion
Phase Two focuses on evaluating substation effectiveness and piloting improvements aligned with community priorities and long-term goals. Over six to twelve months, key metrics such as service volume, response times, and staff efficiency will be analyzed to guide operational enhancements.
Community input, gathered through surveys and public meetings, will help identify service gaps and shape improvements. This phase also introduces collaboration with other City departments to support future interagency partnerships.
A feasibility study will assess whether current leased sites meet long-term access needs and will inform decisions on property acquisition or new facility development.
Phase III - Development of the Public Safety Bridge Center
The final phase envisions the development of the Public Safety Bridge Center, a transition from temporary leased spaces to a permanent, purpose-built or repurposed facility serving as a centralized hub for public safety, youth development, education, and City services. Site selection will be guided by findings from the Phase Two feasibility study, with priority given to city-owned or underutilized municipal properties.
The facility will include flexible community-use spaces, private interview rooms, and offices for partner agencies delivering services across departments. Core functions will expand to offer staff training, community engagement, City-led meetings, and partner-hosted workshops and resource events.
A sustainability plan will support long-term success through budget forecasting, staffing models, and identification of funding streams. The Bridge Center is envisioned as a lasting, community-driven solution that fosters trust, expands access to services, and strengthens neighborhood well-being.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The successful implementation of the South Stockton Substation Project will require a strategic investment, with funding amounts varying based on the selected development approach. Each option reflects a unique combination of design, infrastructure, and operational considerations.
The projected costs are as follows:
• Option 1 - $1,322,187
• Option 2 - $1,445,115
• Option 3 - $1,369,983
• Option 4 - $1,362,747
These funding levels represent tailored pathways to achieving a functional and community-centered substation that will enhance public safety and strengthen neighborhood presence in South Stockton.
Each option reflects different considerations in scope, design, and operational capacity. The final funding decision will directly impact the project's scale, the level of services provided, and the timeline for completion. A funding stream for this project does not exist within the Police Department operating budget nor was it included as part of the FY 2025-26 budget request. Budget to fund any options listed will need to added to the Police Department’s operating budget.
Attachment A - Option 1 Total Cost: $1,322,187
Attachment B - Option 2 Total Cost: $1,445,115
Attachment C - Option 3 Total Cost: $1,369,983
Attachment D - Option 4 Total Cost: $1,362,747