A disturbing uptick in violent crime in Stockton with four murders--all in the past week. Among the deadly incidents-- one happened at Motel6 on Navy Drive. Another happened at the Stockton City Motel on South Wilson Way.
The four homicides are not related. According to Stockton Police, all the victims were killed by gunfire.
Stockton PD is down 200 police sworn officers and civilian personnel. More people could be leaving. Because of budget cuts, 116 layoffs have been proposed--including 16 sworn officers. There's concern that fewer officers will be able to respond to growing street violence.
According to the FBI, Stockton ranked 10th nationwide last year when it comes to violent crime. Budget cuts and a 25 percent cut to department staff were factors according to the police department spokesman.
"We've been reduced to a reactive department," said officer Pete Smith, spokesman for Stockton Police Department. "Criminals aren't laying off or quitting committing crimes just because we're down officers."
A final decision must be made on the proposed layoffs and a budget will be adopted by later this month.
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