City of Lathrop Investing in Public Safety: Lathrop Police Department is Raising the Bar

Nearly five years ago, the City of Lathrop embarked on a bold and challenging journey: the creation of its very own Police Department. As one of California's fastest-growing cities, Lathrop’s leaders knew that we could no longer rely solely on contracted law enforcement services through the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department. Instead, we needed a dedicated, in-house police department that would deliver the high-quality public safety services our residents deserve and expect. In July 2022, after years of careful planning and collaboration, the Lathrop Police Department officially opened its doors.

Building a police department from the ground up was no small feat. It required the construction of a state-of-the-art police headquarters, the purchase and outfitting of an entirely new fleet of vehicles, the development of cutting-edge telecommunications systems, and the recruitment of a full team of highly qualified officers and personnel. This effort was made possible by the unwavering support of our Mayor, City Council, and dedicated city staff, and it was done because we knew it was an investment that would pay dividends for our community.

And it has. In just a short time, the Lathrop Police Department has exceeded expectations, dramatically improving public safety and setting new standards for service in the region. Response times for calls for service have decreased significantly. Officers have taken a firm, zero-tolerance stance on organized retail theft, working diligently to combat crime that impacts both residents and businesses. Our department has doubled the number of School Resource Officers to ensure our students remain safe and supported. In a highly competitive labor market, we have successfully recruited and retained some of the most talented officers in the state.

Today, our crime rates are significantly lower than those of neighboring cities. That’s not by accident. Under the leadership of our police administration, our officers are taking a proactive, community-first approach, ensuring that no call is too small and every crime is pursued with care and diligence. At the same time, our officers have made it a priority to engage directly with the community at local events and gatherings, helping to build trust and relationships with the residents they serve.

But we are not stopping here. Lathrop remains committed to continuously improving and growing our police services. Since our launch, we have added 15 additional officers, allowing us to maintain an officer-to-resident ratio of 1.2 officers per 1,000 residents, a figure unmatched by any nearby city. To ensure our officers always have the tools they need to succeed, we are expanding our vehicle fleet by 18 new patrol cars, all of which will be outfitted with the latest technology to enhance officer safety and efficiency.

We are also investing in our personnel, providing extensive training opportunities that enable our officers to grow professionally and personally while continuing to serve the City of Lathrop with pride.

Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be another exciting year for the Lathrop Police Department. We are preparing to launch a dedicated Traffic Unit, further enhancing safety on our roadways. Our new and improved telecommunications system will ensure officers remain connected and supported in any emergency. We are also prioritizing officer wellness and readiness by hiring beyond the immediate needs of our population, ensuring our team has the flexibility to rest, recharge, and perform their duties at the highest level.

The Lathrop Police Department is more than just a local law enforcement agency, it is a shining example of what is possible when a city invests in the safety and well-being of its residents. Any city in San Joaquin County would be lucky to have a police department like ours, and it is something we can all take pride in.

From the officers on the ground to the leadership guiding this vision, our police department’s success is a direct result of our community’s collective effort to support and prioritize public safety. Together, we are building a brighter, safer future for Lathrop, one that will serve as a foundation for generations to come.

Published: December 23, 2024