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Stockton Preparing To Hire 120 Cops In 3 Years After Sales Tax Measure Passes

STOCKTON (CBS13) — With the passage of Measures A and B, the bankrupt city of Stockton is looking to hire 120 more officers in the next three years.

"It's going to take quite a bit of time to get to that point," said Chief Eric Jones.

Stockton's pay is comparable, with the average salary more than some neighboring cities, but less than the California Highway Patrol. Add in the bankrupt city's financial issues and enticing people to come can be difficult.

To help combat that, officers made a recruiting video to entice hopeful recruits.

"We are marketing ourselves as this is a very exciting, fun place to come work, and we are one of the most professional police departments on the West Coast," Jones said.

Hundreds end up showing interest, but often times only a few end up making the cut.

"It is difficult to find qualified applicants," Jones said "They are out there. The process is very tedious in finding them."

The hope is that with more money on the way from the sales-tax measures, and the department's fast-paced environment will lure candidates.

"It's very busy," Jones said. "We have a high call load. There's a lot to do, and that's what a lot of people who sign up for police work want to do."

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