Harder’s Bill to Help Stockton Police Department Hire More Officers Earns Endorsement of Largest Law Enforcement Organization in California

The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) released a formal letter of support for Rep. Harder’s Investing in Community Safety Act

Rep. Harder introduced the bill earlier this year in response to Stockton’s Police Department facing 125+ officer shortage

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) announced that the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) has endorsed his legislation to help police departments hire and retain more officers. Rep. Harder’s Investing in Community Safety Act increases funding for recruitment efforts and retention bonuses. The bill directly addresses concerns Rep. Harder has heard from police departments in Stockton and throughout San Joaquin County. The Stockton Police Department is authorized to employ 485 officers, but less than 75% of those slots are filled, meaning their 356 officers are stretched extremely thin as violent crime continues to rise.

PORAC is the largest law enforcement organization in California, representing over 80,000 public safety members and 955 public safety organizations. 

“Our police officers put everything on the line to keep our community safe and yet they are being stretched dangerously thin,” said Rep. Harder. “We need to do everything we can to hire more cops and get them the funding they need to keep our families safe. I look forward to working with PORAC to get this bill over the finish line.”

“Every day, the men and women of state and local law enforcement risk their lives, fearlessly protecting their communities from the rising tide of violent crime. However, the dedication and sacrifices of these officers are strained as police departments across the nation grapple with overwhelming responsibilities and dwindling resources. In the aftermath of the contentious debates surrounding police funding, law enforcement agencies now face an urgent and complex challenge in maintaining a full and qualified police force. By allowing COPS grants to be used for recruitment efforts, this legislation will mitigate the strains faced by agencies. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we support law enforcement to ensure the well-being and safety of our communities,” PORAC President Brian R. Marvel says in the letter.

Read PORAC’s letter of support for the Investing in Community Safety ActHERE. 

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