Residents urge council to back local officers, oppose contracting with county; council urges direct contact over social media

Multiple residents used the public-comment period to urge the Escalon City Council to support the local police force and to resist proposals to contract police services to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office.

Resident Shayla Fowler said many citizens value the department’s community ties and urged the council to negotiate a fair contract rather than consider contracting with the sheriff. Another resident, Richard Gouvea, said contracting with the sheriff would be “absurd” and warned of political consequences if councilors do not support the department. Public commenter Cody Fowler also criticized the timing of bringing in outside contractors while officers were working without an active contract.

Separately, the police chief and officers reported recent investigative arrests and recovery of stolen property, including a laundromat burglary and a vehicle burglary at Waffle Factory. Chief and staff praised Officer Gunter and Officer Gek for case work that led to arrests and recovery of property; Sergeant Viera and other first responders were commended for handling an evacuation during a July 4th incident.

Council members responded to public comment by urging residents to contact councilors directly with questions, noting that social media can spread misinformation. Several councilors reiterated support for the department and thanked officers and firefighters for their recent work. No formal action on police contracts was taken at the meeting; councilors said contract negotiations and staffing issues remain under discussion.