Will New Hires In Stockton Help Curb City's Crime, Violence Problems?

STOCKTON (CBS13) — Two new hires move into Stockton soon to take the lead in solving Stockton's crime and community problems.

John Alita is San Bruno's former assistant library director, who will take over Stockton's Community Services Department, overseeing the library system and recreation.

Jessica Glynn comes from New York to head a new position with the Marshal Plan-created Office of Violence Prevention.

Community advocate Motecuzoma Sanchez said he's skeptical these two hires will make big changes.

"They're not from Stockton," said Sanchez. "They don't have a background in violence prevention. We run the risk of being too top heavy, having too many bureaucrats running the scene instead of letting the front line soldiers do the work."

Mayor Anthony Silva said in a text message he doesn't think the new hires will make a dent in a recent violent crime spike:

"Obviously (2) Department Head positions will help with the flow of the daily operations in Stockton, however I doubt it will put a dent in the recent crime spike. What Stockton needs is a new City Council who will not block the Mayors efforts. Stockton is at war with Crime and we need to take serious actions. As for these 2 positions, I was not allowed to interview them and I did not hire them. I received a memo. "

Glynn's Linkedin profile lists a background primarily in human trafficking case work. Police Chief Eric Jones said he spent two years helping to create her office and role to assist the police department.

"Her position will be about bringing together community and clergy, working on mentoring, working in the schools making sure we're doing proper prevention and intervention," said Jones, who added Glynn won the position for her ability to speak two languages the police force needs.

"The academic and the research component," said Jones. "She has a big background in statistics and understanding the research. Also, she speaks that other language of being able to connect with relationships and building."

The chief said his department has the new foundation and plan in place to improve Stockton, but more time and more officers are needed long term.