FAQs • Lodi, CA • CivicEngage

I’d start on patrol, right? What’s it like?: Our patrol officers are some of the best trained, equipped, and supported anywhere. They enjoy an officer-to-citizen ratio that’s higher than most departments. This allows them to focus on Community Oriented Policing (COP) and problem-solving. We don’t have a separate COP unit- it's simply a basic part of every officer’s everyday work. Our crime rate is low, and it stays that way in part because our officers have the time to be proactive. We also have a wide variety of special units that support our district officers.

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Police - Recruiting

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1. What equipment do officers receive?

Officers receive a full equipment issue, including:

9mm pistols and an AR-15 rifle
Load-bearing vests
Body armor
First-year uniform allowance ($950) paid in full at appointment
City-issued cell phones
Emergency kits & Narcan
Print kits
Rechargeable flashlights

2. What are patrol vehicles equipped with?

Patrol vehicles are equipped with:

Shotguns for beanbag rounds
First quality emergency warning and radio systems
Mobile PCs with touch screen commands
Moving radar units

3. What about automation?: We are now operating an NT network system, with personal computers at every workstation. Our patrol units are equipped with mobile personal computers that perform all of the traditional MDT functions, and automated report writing which is transmitted over a wireless system. Our patrol units are truly a mobile office.

4. What’s the story on training?: Our 4-10 shift plan offers a great opportunity to schedule regular in-service training to all of our personnel, which we do 6 times a year. In addition, we send personnel to a variety of Peace Officer Standards and Training Program (POST) schools all over the state. It is our belief that constant exposure to the latest law enforcement techniques benefits our officers, our department, and our community.

5. I’d start on patrol, right? What’s it like?: Our patrol officers are some of the best trained, equipped, and supported anywhere. They enjoy an officer-to-citizen ratio that’s higher than most departments. This allows them to focus on Community Oriented Policing (COP) and problem-solving. We don’t have a separate COP unit- it's simply a basic part of every officer’s everyday work. Our crime rate is low, and it stays that way in part because our officers have the time to be proactive. We also have a wide variety of special units that support our district officers.

6. What about special assignments?

Lodi Police Department offers a wide variety of Special Assignments, including:

Bicycles: We currently have one full-time bicycle officer, riding top of the line equipment, that patrols our thriving downtown area.
Dispatcher/Jailer: We currently have 16 Dispatcher/Jailers working 12 hours shifts. Special assignments can include:
- Communication Training Officer
- Court Liaison
- Critical Incident Negations
- Field Evidence Technician
- For Dispatch/Jailer recruiting information, email Dispatcher Maria Butterfield.
FTO: Our FTOs are Corporals, a promotional rank, who work patrol and administrative assignments. They function as field supervisors on an as-needed basis. This is a great career path for future advancement!
General Investigations Unit: Our five-member team specializes in CASA crimes, financial crimes and other general investigative matters.
K-9: Our four-member team also trains and competes on a regular basis.
Records: Our records department currently staffs 1 records supervisor and 4 full-time records clerks
Special Investigation Unit: Our five-member Special Investigations Unit handles narcotics and vice, along with a variety of specialized enforcement efforts.
School Resource Officers: We currently have an officer full time in each of our two high schools, with two additional handling the middle schools.
SWAT: A fourteen member team, fully equipped, and with a major emphasis on training.
Traffic: Four full time along with a well developed MAIT (Major accident investigation team).

7. Is there a pay incentive for special assignments?: Most of our special assignments receive 4.5% stackable incentive pay.

8. What’s the City of Lodi like?

Lodi is a great place to live and work. It’s a thriving city with a full range of amenities. Situated in the heart of our expanding wine country, we are surrounded by vineyards and farmland. We enjoy affordable housing, excellent schools, a low crime rate, and a friendly town.

Our downtown revitalization has created a visiting and enjoyment center that is the envy of many cities our size. We are also centrally located between Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, the Bay Area, and Yosemite. There is a lot more to learn by visiting the Lodi Conference and Visitors Bureau.

9. What about my spouse? Are there career opportunities available in the area?

We recognize that relocating often involves more than one occupation. Lodi is a vital community offering a variety of jobs.

For those in the medical field, Adventist Health is currently recruiting for nurses and other professionals.
Educators can seek employment with the Lodi Unified School District.
Other major employers include Pacific Coast Producers and Constellation Wines.