Rep. Josh Harder Secures $3 Million in Federal Funds for San Joaquin County Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-9), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has secured more than $3 million for law enforcement in San Joaquin County. The funds included more than $420,000 for combating illegal firearms in Stockton, $20,000 for a TruNarc Drug Detection Device for Lodi’s Police Department, $625,000 for Manteca’s Police Department to hire five new officers, and over $124,000 for law enforcement mental health and wellness for the Tracy Police Department.

Examples of funding secured for San Joaquin County Law Enforcement

• $420,232 for Combating Illegal Firearms in the City of Stockton (2023) - The City of Stockton and San Joaquin County divisions of the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and Probation Department have jointly participated in a Firearms Reduction Consortium since 2011. With the help of Byrne JAG funds, at least four proactive missions targeting known firearms offenders are held during the year in an effort to reduce the number of firearms-related crimes. The prevalence of illegal firearms within the City of Stockton as well as throughout San Joaquin County continues to be a significant contributor to the high rates of violent crime in the region. Efforts to combat violent crime will be coordinated between the Stockton Police Department (SPD), San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office and Probation Department, and the District Attorney’s Office.
• $20,345 for a TruNarc Drug Detection Device for City of Lodi Police Department (2023) - The City of Lodi will use JAG funds for a handheld drug detection device. The City of Lodi has seen a heavy increase in the amount of drug-related exposures, offenses, and arrests related to the handling of narcotics.  By equipping the patrol unit with a handheld drug detection kit, the city will provide its officers with the ability to quickly identify suspected narcotics in the field to help keep drugs off the streets and ensure our citizens' safety.
• $625,000 for Five New Police Officers for Manteca Police Department (2023) - With this COPS Hiring Program grant funding, the Manteca Police Department will be able to bring five new officers onto their force – three in 2024, and two additional officers in 2025.
• $124,297 for the City of Tracy Police Department Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness (2021) - Wellness activities are ongoing and include psychological services, peer support team training, and suicide prevention training. The department completed their health and wellness library and message board, the relaxation room for department personnel, and revitalizing the department breakroom for decompressing and stress relief. On-going projects include upgrading the department sleep room, the addition of a lactation room, health assessments for sworn officers and public safety dispatchers, and additional equipment for the police gym.

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